The Club of Economists Has Been Established at Samara University

At Samara University’s Institute of Economics and Management, on the teachers’ initiative, the Club of Economists has been established, with Professor Vladimir Bogatyrev, University’s Rector, Doctor of Economics, to be elected as its head.

Dmitry Ivanov, Director of the Institute of Economics and Management, told Volga News about the goals, objectives and prospects of this association.

“Dmitry Yuryevich, please tell us what is the Club of Economists?”

“It is a voluntary public association established for everyone to be interested in the development of economics and strive for putting results of scientific research into practice. It is important to emphasize that it is neither a structural unit of the University, nor a legal entity. The Club will operate on the principles of self-government.”

“Why is the idea of creating it now?”

“There are several reasons for this: the search for a response to new global challenges and threats (high-speed changes in the world, sanctions, import substitution, achieving technological sovereignty, digital transformation, the “green” agenda, etc.) requires applying the interdisciplinary approach and pooling the region’s intellectual resources; some results of scientific research and the opinion of the expert community are not fully, to put it mildly, in demand in practice; many economic theories and decision-making models outlined in current textbooks to be studied by students need to be adapted to new realities.”

“What are its main goals?”

“They are versatile. First of all, it is promoting the study and the development of economics, stimulating the scientific activity of teachers, postgraduate students and students. We intend to form the interdisciplinary approach to solving urgent problems of the socioeconomic development of both the region and the country as a whole. Another important goal is creating an open platform for exchanging ideas, experiences and projects that can be implemented in course of scientific, educational and practical activities. Finally, we will actively promote economic knowledge”.

“What specific tasks does the Club face, for achieving these goals?”

“We are currently finalizing the work plan for 2026. It includes serious types of work: analyzing real economic problems of businesses, households and the region, conducting our own research, organizing round-table discussions, conferences, public lectures and debates involving renowned scientists, regional leaders, and top managers of companies. For discussing key issues of the economic policy, we will establish interaction with government agencies, the business community and public organizations. Communication between the Club members will be actively conducted, by using the resources of the University’s “Tochka kipenia” (“Boiling Point”), among other ways. The results of our research will be published.”

“Are there similar associations in other universities in the country and are there plans for cooperation between them?”

“There are various discussion clubs and student scientific societies in the country’s leading universities. We do not know if there is a Club of Economists at universities, which would unite a region’s intellectual resources. Samara University’s Club of Economists plans to establish appropriate cooperation with other universities in the country.”

“Who can become a member of the Club?”

“Membership is voluntary and open to any able-bodied person over the age of 18, who shares our goals and wishes to actively participate in the work of the Club. We expect that not only the staff and students of our institute will join us, but also representatives of other university departments, as well as experts from the regional government, city administration and business, as well as other universities. Economics is a multidisciplinary science, and we have already had successful experience of working together on strategic projects for the region.”

“Will each member of the Club have an equal vote, or will there be any hierarchy, say, the staff and students?”

“Each member of the Club has an equal vote, regardless of his/her professional position, academic degree and other credentials. Thus, all members of the Club are equal in their rights.”

“How to join the Club?”

“To do this, you need to submit an application addressed to the head of the Club. It can be submitted in Room 520 at the University’s Academic Building 5 or sent to the e-mail: gеrаsіmоvа.еа@ssаu.ru. The application will be considered at the Board meeting.

We invite all interested parties to become members of our Club. I am sure that participating in its work will be a significant contribution not only to the professional and personal growth of both teachers and students, but also to the development of our region. We hope that our project will be supported by colleagues, government and business, and soon, through joint efforts, Samara University’s Club of Economists will transform into the “factory of ideas” of the Samara Region.”

Source: volga.news