Through its office in Russia, TRENDS Research & Advisory held a discussion session with officials from the ANO Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) to explore avenues of research and knowledge cooperation, particularly in the fields of consulting and innovative scientific initiatives. The session took place as part of the Center’s research tour in Russia.

Participants reviewed mechanisms for leveraging the research capacities and expertise of both sides to develop joint projects and initiatives on regional and international issues. They also discussed opportunities for exchanging experience in strategic consulting and public policy, as well as organizing joint conferences, forums, and regular workshops.

The session was attended by Makarov Mikhail Yuryevich, Director of the International Cooperation Division, ASI; Dubrovskaya Anastasia Vladimirovna, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Division, ASI; Gulevskaya Alina Ivanovna, Head of the Program of the International Cooperation Division, ASI; Makhova Elizaveta Sergeevna, Assistant Director of the Laboratory of the Future, ASI; Potapov Kirill Evgenievich, Deputy Executive Director of the ANO Platform of the National Technological Initiative; Bashkatov Dmitry Sergeevich, Director of the Civil-Military Technologies Division, ASI; and Volkov Maxim Nikolaevich, Head of the Program of the Civil-Military Technologies Division. They were joined by several division heads, department directors, and researchers from TRENDS Research & Advisory.

Building Knowledge Cooperation

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasized that the session marks a promising start to building bridges of scientific and knowledge cooperation with the ASI in Russia. The agency focuses on supporting and empowering youth in economic and social fields, encouraging innovative projects and entrepreneurship, and fostering pioneering initiatives and creative ideas that contribute to the prosperity, development, and growth of societies.

Dr. Al-Ali noted that TRENDS believes intellectual and knowledge-based dialogue is key to achieving mutual understanding across all levels, particularly in analyzing shared global challenges and exchanging perspectives on how to address them. He also underlined the importance of dialogue in keeping pace with digital transformation and artificial intelligence, developing joint projects in technology policy, and creating proactive tools to address future challenges.

Building Youth Capacities

For his part, Makarov Mikhail Yuryevich, Director of the International Cooperation Division of the ASI, stated that the areas of cooperation between ASI and TRENDS are wide-ranging. The two sides agreed to launch pioneering initiatives aimed at building youth capacities and preparing a new generation of future leaders, as well as promoting knowledge exchange, empowering young people, and supporting their innovative initiatives.

He praised TRENDS’ research efforts and its forward-looking strategy of shaping the future through knowledge, alongside the Center’s vision of empowering youth and strengthening their scientific and practical skills. He added that TRENDS has become one of the most prominent and respected think tanks in the Middle East, known for its rigorous insights and future-oriented perspectives.