Translation
Original language
06.11.2025
Global Competition for Talents: Russia and Multipolarity in the Age of Human Capital
Rodriguez Cuatianquiz Elisa Marisol,
faculty of political and social sciences
The Future of the World. A New Global Growth Platform
Global Competition for Talents: Russia and Multipolarity in the Age of Human Capital
In the 21st century, human capital became the most valuable resource of countries. Unlike in the previous eras, when power was measured by natural resources and industrial capacity, today, success of a country is defined by knowledge, innovations, and adaptability. Societies that invest in education and training of scientists, engineers, and experts in technology achieve sustainable economic growth and gain important geopolitical advantage.
In this context, competition between the Russian Federation, US, and China is in terms of their ability to attract and retain talents in such strategic areas as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity (Carnegie Moscow Center, 2023). The struggle for talents constitutes economic and political competition. Lack of opportunities and educational inequality may cause social tensions, while well educated population strengthens institutions and promotes national cohesion. This paper studies how Russia is facing this challenge and what are the lessons that can be learnt from its experience.
Human capital as a strategic resource
The task for the countries is to form human capital and integrate it into their long term strategies. Those countries that are unable to do so will face economic backwardness and loss of influence in the international arena.
Russia has developed a strategy of asymmetric competition using hybrid tactics: political influence, cyber operations, and pragmatic diplomacy, which enables it to establish temporary alliances with various players: from China to some Middle Eastern and African countries.
The role of Russia in multipolarity is also defined by its ability to challenge traditional Western structures via its policy that is aimed at weakening of the cohesion of NATO and the European Union, as well as establishment of strategic relations with developing countries seeking a counterweight to Washington and Brussels.
In this multipolar world, global competition is no longer defined in military or economic terms, but depends on the players' ability to maneuver in the system that becomes more and more fragmented and complex. Russia with its resources, geopolitical vision, and willingness to challenge the established order will remain the key factor in the formation of the 21st century.
Scientific heritage of Russia: from Peter the Great to the USSR
Scientific tradition of Russia is one of the most solid and oldest in the world, as its deep roots go back to the 18th century, when in 1724 Peter the Great founded the Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg. Since then, science became an important pillar in development of the country. Great mathematicians, such as Pafnuty Chebyshev and Andrey Kolmogorov, made significant contribution to the probability theory and statistics and laid the foundations that remain relevant in various disciplines till present. Russia has given the world brilliant minds in the area of physics, for example, Lev Landau, whose works in the area of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics remain influential at the global level.
This scientific momentum got strengthened during the Soviet era, when USSR adopted a pragmatic and highly competitive approach to knowledge development. The space race was a perfect example of this strategy: in 1957, they launched Sputnik-1, the first man-made Earth satellite, which became an important stage in space exploration. Later, in 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first person to go into space due to the work of such dreamers as Sergey Korolev — the engineer behind the Soviet space program.
However, innovations were not limited to the space. USSR achieved significant success in the area of computer engineering and cybernetics, as starting from 1960-s it was developing its own artificial intelligence systems. In the 21st century, this base allowed Russia to maintain leadership in strategic sectors.
Today, Russia remains at the forefront of scientific research in various areas. Rosatom is the world leader in nuclear energy and is present in many countries. Such institutions as Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology aim to keep Russia a key player in digital transformation in the area of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Besides, in the area of biomedicine Russian scientists developed the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, which demonstrated the country's ability to quickly and efficiently respond to global challenges in the area of public healthcare.
Global competition for talents in the 21st century
Globalisation has changed the way countries compete, and today human capital became a strategic resource similar to energy and technology. In the multipolar world, countries compete for markets, geopolitical influence, as well as for attraction and retention of the most skilled professionals in the key areas.
For example, US maintain their leadership largely due to the ability to attract foreign experts. Such universities as MIT, Stanford, and Harvard became magnets for scientists and engineers from around the world, while the system of visas for highly skilled workers, for example, H-1B visa, allowed such technology companies as Google and Apple to attract experts in various areas.
In turn, China has chosen another approach. For decades many of the best Chinese scientists studied abroad, but in recent years they have launched programs, for example the Thousand Talents Plan, in order to bring back Chinese researchers, who are offered favourable conditions. Besides, China actively invests in innovation centers, such as Shenzhen High-Tech Zone, and world class universities, for example, Tsinghua University.
The European Union is also participating in this competition, especially Germany and France that offer incentives to attract experts in artificial intelligence and renewable energy. Such programs as Blue Card that simplify the process of obtaining residence permit for highly skilled experts made EU an attractive place for scientists and engineers from all over the world.
As for Russia, highly qualified scientific elite has been formed in the country historically, however the problem was to retain it. In recent years, initiatives were launched to combat the brain drain and strengthen the country's own innovation ecosystem. Russia understands that investments in human capital are both an educational issue and geopolitical strategy. In the multipolar world, the one who controls innovations and knowledge will have advantage. Thus, multiple initiatives were launched to strengthen the scientific base, attract talents, and develop strategic sectors.
Skolkovo Innovation Center in the Moscow Region is one of the most interesting projects. The complex that is also known as Russian Silicon Valley includes over 3000 tech startups and cooperates with universities and companies all over the world in the areas of artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy. In 2023, the government invested over 100 billion rubles (about USD 1.3 billion) in this innovative ecosystem.
As for higher education, Russia has strengthened its universities through the Priority 2030 program that is aimed at modernisation of education and promotion of international cooperation. At present, Russia provides over 18 000 scholarships for foreign students annually with a strong focus on Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America, which helps to strengthen its global presence and attract international talents to educational institutions.
Scientific cooperation also plays an important role. Russia maintains scientific agreements with China, India, and Iran, especially in such areas as quantum technologies, space research and vaccine development. A perfect example is cooperation with China within the framework of the International Scientific Lunar Station, a project aimed at the competition with space missions of the United States and the European Union.
As for ecology, technological development must go hand in hand with sustainability. Russia has increased its investments in clean energy and development of carbon capture technologies, in which Rosatom is actively involved. In 2023, the government assigned over 300 billion rubles (about USD 4 billion) for the initiatives in the area of renewable energy sources and emission reduction.
In terms of general expenses, over the past decade, Russia has increased its investments in education and science. At present, approximately 1% of GDP is allocated for research and development (R&D), which is approximately USD 17 billion annually.
Conclusion. The future of human capital in the multipolar world
Of course, at present access to knowledge is better than ever before, and tools that were previously unimaginable are now available to us the youth. This provides us with a unique opportunity to influence the course of history, but also suggests significant responsibility.
However, this issue shall be considered from a critical point of view. The multipolar world creates fierce competition for talents, and not all young people will have the same opportunities to stand out. Under conditions of global mobility, the brightest minds tend to emigrate to places, where conditions are more favourable, which may result in drain of personnel that is the key for the development of any country, including Russia. The gap between those who have access to high quality education and those who don't remains a challenge that cannot be ignored.
Thus, in my opinion, the key issue will be how governments and societies support the youth in order for it to develop in a competitive environment without leaving its native country. It is essential that state policy is aimed at creation of local opportunities for innovations and professional growth. For example, in Russia they actively work in this direction: the youth is provided with access to high quality education and opportunities to apply the knowledge gained and make an impact on the society and the world in general.
Sources of information
• The World Bank. (2022). World Development Report 2022: Investing in Human Capital. https://www.worldbank.org
• Carnegie Moscow Center. (2023). Russia’s strategy in global education and technology. https://carnegie.ru
• Ings, S. (2016). Stalin and the Scientists: A History of Triumph and Tragedy. Faber & Faber.
• Lewin, M (2005). The Soviet Century. Verso Books.
• Miate, L., & Clementi, M.G. (2023). Peter the Great. Encyclopedia of World History. https://www.worldhistory.org/trans/es/1-22228/pedro-el-grande/
• Russia Beyond. (2023). How Russia is attracting global talent in science and technology. https://www.rbth.com
• Russia, the birth of civilization. (w/o d). https://www.ilustre.co/rusia-el-nacimiento-de-una-civilizacion
• Skolkovo Foundation. (w/o d). About Skolkovo. Date of access: October 10, 2023, https://sk.ru
faculty of political and social sciences
The Future of the World. A New Global Growth Platform
Global Competition for Talents: Russia and Multipolarity in the Age of Human Capital
In the 21st century, human capital became the most valuable resource of countries. Unlike in the previous eras, when power was measured by natural resources and industrial capacity, today, success of a country is defined by knowledge, innovations, and adaptability. Societies that invest in education and training of scientists, engineers, and experts in technology achieve sustainable economic growth and gain important geopolitical advantage.
In this context, competition between the Russian Federation, US, and China is in terms of their ability to attract and retain talents in such strategic areas as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity (Carnegie Moscow Center, 2023). The struggle for talents constitutes economic and political competition. Lack of opportunities and educational inequality may cause social tensions, while well educated population strengthens institutions and promotes national cohesion. This paper studies how Russia is facing this challenge and what are the lessons that can be learnt from its experience.
Human capital as a strategic resource
The task for the countries is to form human capital and integrate it into their long term strategies. Those countries that are unable to do so will face economic backwardness and loss of influence in the international arena.
Russia has developed a strategy of asymmetric competition using hybrid tactics: political influence, cyber operations, and pragmatic diplomacy, which enables it to establish temporary alliances with various players: from China to some Middle Eastern and African countries.
The role of Russia in multipolarity is also defined by its ability to challenge traditional Western structures via its policy that is aimed at weakening of the cohesion of NATO and the European Union, as well as establishment of strategic relations with developing countries seeking a counterweight to Washington and Brussels.
In this multipolar world, global competition is no longer defined in military or economic terms, but depends on the players' ability to maneuver in the system that becomes more and more fragmented and complex. Russia with its resources, geopolitical vision, and willingness to challenge the established order will remain the key factor in the formation of the 21st century.
Scientific heritage of Russia: from Peter the Great to the USSR
Scientific tradition of Russia is one of the most solid and oldest in the world, as its deep roots go back to the 18th century, when in 1724 Peter the Great founded the Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg. Since then, science became an important pillar in development of the country. Great mathematicians, such as Pafnuty Chebyshev and Andrey Kolmogorov, made significant contribution to the probability theory and statistics and laid the foundations that remain relevant in various disciplines till present. Russia has given the world brilliant minds in the area of physics, for example, Lev Landau, whose works in the area of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics remain influential at the global level.
This scientific momentum got strengthened during the Soviet era, when USSR adopted a pragmatic and highly competitive approach to knowledge development. The space race was a perfect example of this strategy: in 1957, they launched Sputnik-1, the first man-made Earth satellite, which became an important stage in space exploration. Later, in 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first person to go into space due to the work of such dreamers as Sergey Korolev — the engineer behind the Soviet space program.
However, innovations were not limited to the space. USSR achieved significant success in the area of computer engineering and cybernetics, as starting from 1960-s it was developing its own artificial intelligence systems. In the 21st century, this base allowed Russia to maintain leadership in strategic sectors.
Today, Russia remains at the forefront of scientific research in various areas. Rosatom is the world leader in nuclear energy and is present in many countries. Such institutions as Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology aim to keep Russia a key player in digital transformation in the area of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Besides, in the area of biomedicine Russian scientists developed the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, which demonstrated the country's ability to quickly and efficiently respond to global challenges in the area of public healthcare.
Global competition for talents in the 21st century
Globalisation has changed the way countries compete, and today human capital became a strategic resource similar to energy and technology. In the multipolar world, countries compete for markets, geopolitical influence, as well as for attraction and retention of the most skilled professionals in the key areas.
For example, US maintain their leadership largely due to the ability to attract foreign experts. Such universities as MIT, Stanford, and Harvard became magnets for scientists and engineers from around the world, while the system of visas for highly skilled workers, for example, H-1B visa, allowed such technology companies as Google and Apple to attract experts in various areas.
In turn, China has chosen another approach. For decades many of the best Chinese scientists studied abroad, but in recent years they have launched programs, for example the Thousand Talents Plan, in order to bring back Chinese researchers, who are offered favourable conditions. Besides, China actively invests in innovation centers, such as Shenzhen High-Tech Zone, and world class universities, for example, Tsinghua University.
The European Union is also participating in this competition, especially Germany and France that offer incentives to attract experts in artificial intelligence and renewable energy. Such programs as Blue Card that simplify the process of obtaining residence permit for highly skilled experts made EU an attractive place for scientists and engineers from all over the world.
As for Russia, highly qualified scientific elite has been formed in the country historically, however the problem was to retain it. In recent years, initiatives were launched to combat the brain drain and strengthen the country's own innovation ecosystem. Russia understands that investments in human capital are both an educational issue and geopolitical strategy. In the multipolar world, the one who controls innovations and knowledge will have advantage. Thus, multiple initiatives were launched to strengthen the scientific base, attract talents, and develop strategic sectors.
Skolkovo Innovation Center in the Moscow Region is one of the most interesting projects. The complex that is also known as Russian Silicon Valley includes over 3000 tech startups and cooperates with universities and companies all over the world in the areas of artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy. In 2023, the government invested over 100 billion rubles (about USD 1.3 billion) in this innovative ecosystem.
As for higher education, Russia has strengthened its universities through the Priority 2030 program that is aimed at modernisation of education and promotion of international cooperation. At present, Russia provides over 18 000 scholarships for foreign students annually with a strong focus on Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America, which helps to strengthen its global presence and attract international talents to educational institutions.
Scientific cooperation also plays an important role. Russia maintains scientific agreements with China, India, and Iran, especially in such areas as quantum technologies, space research and vaccine development. A perfect example is cooperation with China within the framework of the International Scientific Lunar Station, a project aimed at the competition with space missions of the United States and the European Union.
As for ecology, technological development must go hand in hand with sustainability. Russia has increased its investments in clean energy and development of carbon capture technologies, in which Rosatom is actively involved. In 2023, the government assigned over 300 billion rubles (about USD 4 billion) for the initiatives in the area of renewable energy sources and emission reduction.
In terms of general expenses, over the past decade, Russia has increased its investments in education and science. At present, approximately 1% of GDP is allocated for research and development (R&D), which is approximately USD 17 billion annually.
Conclusion. The future of human capital in the multipolar world
Of course, at present access to knowledge is better than ever before, and tools that were previously unimaginable are now available to us the youth. This provides us with a unique opportunity to influence the course of history, but also suggests significant responsibility.
However, this issue shall be considered from a critical point of view. The multipolar world creates fierce competition for talents, and not all young people will have the same opportunities to stand out. Under conditions of global mobility, the brightest minds tend to emigrate to places, where conditions are more favourable, which may result in drain of personnel that is the key for the development of any country, including Russia. The gap between those who have access to high quality education and those who don't remains a challenge that cannot be ignored.
Thus, in my opinion, the key issue will be how governments and societies support the youth in order for it to develop in a competitive environment without leaving its native country. It is essential that state policy is aimed at creation of local opportunities for innovations and professional growth. For example, in Russia they actively work in this direction: the youth is provided with access to high quality education and opportunities to apply the knowledge gained and make an impact on the society and the world in general.
Sources of information
• The World Bank. (2022). World Development Report 2022: Investing in Human Capital. https://www.worldbank.org
• Carnegie Moscow Center. (2023). Russia’s strategy in global education and technology. https://carnegie.ru
• Ings, S. (2016). Stalin and the Scientists: A History of Triumph and Tragedy. Faber & Faber.
• Lewin, M (2005). The Soviet Century. Verso Books.
• Miate, L., & Clementi, M.G. (2023). Peter the Great. Encyclopedia of World History. https://www.worldhistory.org/trans/es/1-22228/pedro-el-grande/
• Russia Beyond. (2023). How Russia is attracting global talent in science and technology. https://www.rbth.com
• Russia, the birth of civilization. (w/o d). https://www.ilustre.co/rusia-el-nacimiento-de-una-civilizacion
• Skolkovo Foundation. (w/o d). About Skolkovo. Date of access: October 10, 2023, https://sk.ru
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