BRICS Economic Cooperation. What was memorable about the scientific school in São Paulo?

The program of the international school was intense: scientific seminars, discussions, round tables and project works. At the lectures we comprehensively studied the following topics:

• “catching-up” economic growth and innovation;
• innovation in global value chains;
• universities and regional economic development;
• trade and industrial policy;
• technological sovereignty.

We also had visits to key research centers. For example, we visited the Synchrotron Research Center. It houses the only particle gas pedal in Latin America. It is used in 10 sectors of the Brazilian economy.

My work projects are related to various events on the topic of cooperation between Russia and the BRICS countries. Therefore, when we split into two educational tracks in the second week of training, I chose a thematic block dedicated to this economic association. In a group with young scientists from Brazil and South Africa, we prepared and presented a project on the topic: "The place and role of technology and innovation in stimulating economic cooperation in the BRICS+ countries."

There were many tasks in the work on the study. But it was important for us:

• to clarify the role of innovation in promoting economic integration between the member countries of the alliance;
• to identify successful practices of cooperation between enterprises and universities, as well as the implementation of developments in production;
• to find out how investments in research and development affect economic growth;
• to propose recommendations and harmonization of innovation policy.

I plan to continue working with the school’s colleagues on project development and research in this area. Now we are waiting for the decision of the jury, which will determine the winner of the competition and provide a grant for the implementation of our idea.

At the science school, the approach of the teachers didn’t leave me indifferent. We learned something new and immediately started discussing it. It was a lively process: everyone could express their position, participate in debates and discussions. We tried to put theoretical knowledge into practical form right away. As a young lecturer at the Department of International Economic Relations, I will definitely apply my experience in working with students

What is Brazil like if you look out the window?

Over the weekend, we got acquainted with non-tourist Brazil. We visited the local festival Festas Juninas, a holiday with Pre-Christian roots. We were able to enjoy traditional music and feel the atmosphere of an eternal holiday

We also had a day when we went to the Atibaya River in the early morning, where we rafted. I have rafting experience since a trip along the Belaya River in Adygea. When our international team of scientists and I completed the rafting, I realized that now, although we are from different countries, we have become even closer to each other.

After graduating from science school, I went to Rio de Janeiro for 3 days. I saw the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, national parks and gardens, how jackfruit and carambola grow, ginger and ant tree bloom. I managed to walk up the Celeron Stairs, visit the Benedictine Abbey, climb Mount Corcovado with the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, stroll through the historical center and ride a cable car to the top of the Sugar Loaf.

RUDN, thank you for the opportunity to gain experience and expertise from the world's leading scientists and see the world.