X Gaidar Forum in RANEPA

On the 15-17th of January 2019 Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) held the X Gaidar Forum “Russia and the World: National Development Goals and Global Trends". Gaidar Forum is the most important economic and social event for Russia and the world. Annually, well-known political leaders, economists and businessmen from Russia and different regions of the world become guests and speakers of Forum.

Over 100 various events were organized within the Forum: panel and expert discussions, debates, analytical reports, public lectures, round tables, etc. Graduate School of Corporate Management (GSCM) organized three expert discussions on the theme: “Global trends in the agro-industrial sector: challenges and opportunities for Russia”; “Transformation of corporate governance models in the era of the fourth industrial revolution”; “Export of Russian regions: from plan to action”.

On January 16, Sergey O. Kalendzhyan, dean of GSCM RANEPA, took part in the international section on the topic “Transformation of MBA programs: overcoming the virginity of traditions”. Participants discussed what transformations of MBA programs are needed and in what direction management education will go.

The participants were representatives of the Russian and international business and business education. Andrew Main Wilson, CEO, AMBA & GBA, opened and moderated the discussion. The Dean of GSCM Sergey Kalendzhyan made a report at the session. He emphasized that in pursuit of innovation and digitalization, it is necessary to pay attention to the ethical and emotional part of education.

During the discussion, the participants talked over the possibility of combining MBA and DBA.

As an innovative opportunity, Sergey Kalendzhyan proposed to introduce ethics and entrepreneurial culture into the MBA programs.  He gave as an example an idea to organize inside GSCM programs seminars in the museums of Russian business history and theaters in order to revive the culture and heritage of ancestors - socially responsible entrepreneurs.

Summing up, the participants came to the conclusion that most of the world's business schools need to focus on the creative and ethical side of business education.