Professor Sergei Afontsev, Corresponding Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Head of the Department of World Economy at Lomonosov Moscow State University, and Professor Alexander Shirov, Corresponding Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Director of the Institute of Economic Forecasting, were invited to visit the Department of Economics at Shenzhen MSU-BIT University from November 23 to 27, 2025, to attend the "International Academic Symposium on Digital Technology and the Restructuring of Economic Order." During their visit, Professors Afontsev and Shirov engaged in in-depth discussions with the Department of Economics on matters related to discipline development and research collaboration, and also delivered academic lectures. The report session was chaired by Professor Meng Fanchen, Head of the Department of Economics, with participation from all faculty members, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers of the department.
Academician Sergei Afontsev delivered a lecture titled "The Political Economy of Sanctions: Russia's Resilience," systematically analyzing the evolutionary logic and implementation effectiveness of economic sanctions as a political tool. Drawing on cutting-edge data, he provided an in-depth explanation of the resilience characteristics and supporting mechanisms demonstrated by Russia's economy amid complex international conditions.
Academician Alexander Shirov delivered a lecture titled "Forecasting and Decision-Making in Economic Policy," focusing on the methodology of scientific forecasting and its critical role in long-term economic strategies. He systematically introduced the comprehensive model developed by his team, which provides reliable quantitative foundations for structural reforms and strategic planning.
During the discussion session, participants actively engaged in exchanges, delving into topics such as the critical stages of industrial resilience, optimization pathways for long-term economic forecasting, the operational laws of economic systems, and the establishment of dynamically adjusted forecasting mechanisms. This high-level academic dialogue enabled attending faculty members to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of current geopolitical conflicts on economic development. It broadened the international academic perspectives of young scholars and enhanced mutual understanding between Chinese and Russian academic circles, laying a solid foundation for strengthening academic exchanges and cooperation in the field of economics between China and Russia.
Appendix: Introduction to the Participating Academicians
Professor Sergei Afontsev, Ph.D. in Economics, is a Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He currently serves as the Head of the Department of World Economy at Lomonosov Moscow State University, Deputy Director of the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations, and concurrently holds a professorship at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. He previously chaired the Expert Council on Economic Sciences of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education (2018–2023) and is a leading authority in Russia on international political economy, economic policy, and global economic governance. As a senior advisor to federal and regional governments on trade, industrial policy, and economic integration, Professor Afontsev has published over 200 academic works.
Alexander Shirov, Ph.D. in Economics, is a Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He currently serves as Director of the Institute of Economic Forecasting at the Russian Academy of Sciences and Chief Researcher at Lomonosov Moscow State University. Additionally, he plays a key role as a core expert in the Russian Federation’s State Council, contributing to areas such as "Economy and Finance" and "Employment." Professor Shirov has long been dedicated to macroeconomic and structural analysis, making outstanding contributions to economic forecasting models and policy decision-making. He is widely recognized as a leading authority in these fields.
