Russia has positioned itself as a champion of information exchange in international development cooperation, focusing on crucial sectors such as poverty alleviation, strengthening health and social protection systems, and expanding education support programmes. This piece looks at Russia’s commitment to knowledge exchange and the effective measures that help to develop a multipolar world.
With 721 state and 369 recognized non-state higher education institutions (HEIs), Russia has a thriving higher education scene that demonstrates its dedication to knowledge exchange. Remarkably, 246 universities in Moscow alone provide 3,566 study programmes, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to offering a wide range of educational options.
Institutionalized and Nationalised Exchange
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Russia is fully committed to nationalized and institutionalized knowledge exchange initiatives. Collaborative research, knowledge transfer partnerships, advisory services, training, and the commercialization of research through start-ups and spin-out businesses are a few examples. Important participants in this exchange, such as Moscow State University and the University of People’s Friendship, have demonstrated their open-door policy of having students across the world and spreading Russian educational products and services.
For example, Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu of the Department of Mass Communication had the chance to elaborate on the importance of advancing higher education abroad and the necessity of keeping up the improvement of it in Nigeria as part of the promotion of Russia’s higher education products and services at the RUDN University. The Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation invited Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu, who is currently part of a faculty team for a week-long intensive professional course execution for professionals in Nigeria and Ghana, after showcasing him on its AM Drive daily programme.
Launched in 2016, the Knowledge Management (KM) project is consistent with Russia’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and expertise enhancement. This programme, which is associated with the Russia-UNDP Partnership and Trust Fund for Development, enhances cooperation between Russia and its allies by promoting a shared knowledge culture. The Russian-African Competence Transfer Programme, which focuses on digitalization of public administration, indicates Russia’s commitment to upgrading capabilities in African countries. The programme, implemented by HSE University’s Centre for African Studies, uses Russia’s experience to strengthen public servant competencies in African countries.
Open Doors for Open Knowledge Acquisition
Russia has become a melting pot of many cultures in the academic world, as seen by the growing number of African students seeking higher education. Russia’s allure for international students is evident in a 60% rise in enrollments between 2014 and 2019. Some are attracted by the scholarships on offer, while others note the high quality of Russian universities. Beyond scholarships, the high quality of Russian universities adds to the appeal, positioning Russia as a leading destination for global talent.
Approximately 35,000 African students are currently enrolled at Russian universities, with Egypt accounting for a sizable proportion of this total. The impetus is undeniable, with the government budget-funded quota for African students increasing by 150% in three years, reaching over 4,700 spots for the 2023-2024 academic year. Scholarships for African students studying at Russian institutions have increased by 150%, with a total of 47,000 students expected by 2024.
Through initiatives such as the Open Doors Olympiad, Russia stands as a beacon for global talent. This competition, which began in 2017, draws participation from over 200 nations, with over 90% coming from Asia and Africa. The Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, International Humanitarian Cooperation, Compatriots Living Abroad, and the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education work together with the Association of Global Universities to organize the Olympiad. Winners gain free early admission to any Russian university, helping the country achieve its objective of becoming a top destination for overseas students. According to surveys, applicants rank studying in Russia on par with popular study destinations including Australia, the UK, Germany, Canada, China, and the US.
Since 2017, 350,000 participants have competed intellectually in 14 subjects during the course of the Olympiad to gain admission to Russian institutions at the master’s and doctoral levels. Five thousand prizewinners and winners were awarded scholarships by the government of the Russian Federation. For the academic year 2024–2025, the Russian government recently awarded 124 scholarships for Bangladeshi students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes.