Moscow School

Moscow School. It is a premier private graduate institution in Russia, established in the early post-Soviet era with a mission to advance economics and social sciences. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and influential research, operating in close partnership with the New Economic School. Its faculty and alumni have played significant roles in shaping economic policy and academic thought across the Commonwealth of Independent States and beyond.

History

The institution was founded in 1991, a pivotal year following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with foundational support from prominent economists and international organizations. Key figures in its establishment included scholars like Yegor Gaidar and advisors from the London School of Economics. Its creation was part of a broader effort to modernize higher education in Russia and integrate with global academic standards. Throughout the 1990s, it developed strong ties with institutions such as the University of Chicago and the Stockholm School of Economics, facilitating faculty and student exchanges. The school later expanded its scope, forming strategic alliances with the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration and strengthening its position within the Moscow academic landscape.

Academic programs

The school offers a focused portfolio of graduate programs, primarily in economics, finance, and data analysis. Its flagship program is a master's degree in economics, structured in collaboration with the New Economic School and often involving visiting professors from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative methods and applied policy analysis, preparing students for careers at institutions like the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, and international organizations such as the World Bank. Executive education programs are also offered for professionals from companies like Gazprom and government agencies. Instruction is conducted in both Russian and English, with many courses utilizing case studies from the International Monetary Fund.

Notable faculty and alumni

The faculty has included leading economists and social scientists such as Konstantin Sonin, Vladimir Popov, and Eric Maskin, a Nobel laureate affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Study. Distinguished alumni hold influential positions across academia, government, and the private sector. Among them are former Minister of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukayev, economist Sergei Izmalkov, and numerous analysts at Alfa-Bank and the Moscow Exchange. Graduates have also pursued doctoral studies at prestigious universities including Princeton University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley. The school's network extends to policymakers within the Government of Russia and researchers at the Higher School of Economics.

Campus and facilities

The main campus is located in the Skolkovo innovation district, a hub often compared to Silicon Valley, which it shares with the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology. This modern facility features advanced lecture halls, a specialized economics library with digital access to resources from JSTOR and RePEc, and dedicated research centers. The building is equipped with technology supporting data analysis and econometric modeling. Its location facilitates interaction with other resident organizations like the Skolkovo Foundation and various tech startups. The school also maintains administrative offices in central Moscow, near landmarks such as Gorky Park and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Research and contributions

Research output focuses on applied microeconomics, development economics, and political economy, with significant studies on regions like the North Caucasus and sectors such as the Russian oil industry. Faculty work is frequently published in journals like the American Economic Review and the Journal of Comparative Economics. The school's experts regularly contribute to policy debates, advising bodies like the State Duma and the Ministry of Finance (Russia). Notable research projects have analyzed the impacts of sanctions following events like the annexation of Crimea and economic transitions in the Baltic states. The institution also hosts annual conferences, such as the Russian Economic Congress, attracting participants from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and leading global universities.

Category:Universities and colleges in Moscow Category:Graduate schools in Russia Category:Educational institutions established in 1991