Global Research Network on Social Entrepreneurship Established by Universities from Six Countries
Universities from Russia, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Indonesia are forming a unique international research network. The signing of the Manifesto of the Consortium of Satellite Laboratories for Social Entrepreneurship took place during the International Partners Week at HSE University – Saint Petersburg.
A unique international research network is being established by universities from Russia, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Indonesia. The signing of the Manifesto of the Consortium of Satellite Laboratories for Social Entrepreneurship took place during the International Partners Week at HSE University – Saint Petersburg.
The initiative was led by Dr. Magdalena Gaete, Head of the Satellite Laboratory for Social Entrepreneurship at HSE University – Saint Petersburg. The international research unit was first created in 2023 in collaboration with the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and marked the first such collaboration of its kind for HSE University. The project was officially launched in November 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, and the laboratory was inaugurated at HSE Saint Petersburg in May 2024, during the first edition of International Partners Week.
Since then, the initiative has drawn growing interest from leading universities in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Indonesia, prompting the decision to establish a multinational research alliance.
“When scholars come together in an association, it reflects our shared commitment to a common goal. I believe that building such alliances is the most important outcome of the International Partners Week. We are proud that HSE University acts not only as a leader, but also as a platform for international collaboration. This is a community effort, and that is why I am confident in our success,”
— stated Anna Tyshetskaya, Director of HSE University – Saint Petersburg, during the signing ceremony.
Representatives of six universities signed the Manifesto:
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HSE University – Saint Petersburg (Russia)
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Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Malaysia)
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University of Campinas – UNICAMP (Brazil)
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São Paulo State University – UNESP (Brazil)
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Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology – ITS (Indonesia)
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University of La Sabana (Colombia)
“We signed the manifesto with a group of universities that are already our partners and friends. But it’s important to stress that this consortium is open—it’s not a closed club. The document is a call to action. If you want to join, just reach out with your ideas,”
— emphasized Dr. Magdalena Gaete.
According to the manifesto, the consortium will serve as a global network of university-based laboratories operating under a model piloted by HSE University – Saint Petersburg and UTM. While rooted in local contexts, these scientific centers will share a common mission: to promote social innovation and sustainable development.
The manifesto outlines several key areas of collaboration: joint research development, implementation of educational and partnership exchange programs, design of socially oriented innovations, and promotion of sustainability policies at both local and global levels. Participants agreed that the creation of such an international platform will enable universities to respond in new ways to the global challenges of our time and to fulfill the 21st-century university mission—to be centers of social and human development.
The International Partners Week at HSE University – Saint Petersburg is one of the university’s flagship annual events and a key highlight on the academic calendar. The forum brings together over a hundred representatives from leading universities and organizations across dozens of countries, offering a unique platform for exchanging experience, discussing major trends in science and education, showcasing joint projects, and establishing new cooperation agreements.
The event features expert discussions, plenary sessions, exhibitions, and cultural activities. It not only reinforces Saint Petersburg’s status as one of the global capitals of science and education but also expands opportunities for students and researchers worldwide.