Interim report on the work of the Research Center for Neuroeconomics
3 April 2026
Brief Progress Report
The Neuroeconomics Research Center (NERC) continues to demonstrate steady progress in research, academic development, and regional engagement during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Key Achievements
During the reporting period, a total of 18 SME-focused case studies were completed, reflecting applied research across diverse industries. In addition, 11 student research papers are currently in progress and will be explored in greater detail in forthcoming news publications. These papers are being developed by undergraduate students of the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Marketing, including 2nd Year students (Mikhail Kanakhin, Sherzod Mirsadikov, Shuhrat Erkinov), 3rd Year Bachelor’s students (Ilia Fedoseev, Maxim Pogudin, Ashot Abraamian, Edgars Vasiljevs), and 2nd Year Master’s student (Nikita Lavrik, Master’s Degree Program in Corporate Finance).
NERC has also successfully developed and implemented academic modules in the field, contributing to curriculum enhancement and supporting the training and mentoring of future researchers.
Engagement and Outreach
The Center organized a workshop titled “Impactful Team Leadership” in December, aimed at the staff of Plekhanov Russian University. The workshop focused on practical strategies for improving team collaboration, enhancing decision-making processes, and applying neuroeconomic principles to leadership challenges. Participants engaged in interactive exercises, case studies, and group discussions, fostering hands-on learning and knowledge exchange between faculty and administrative staff.
Furthermore, NERC representatives delivered keynote speeches at the Leadership Summit 2025 (6th Edition) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, addressing the topic “Disleadership to Leadership: Toward Sustainable Organizations.” Professor Dr. Alex Jones, Ph.D. in Leadership, represented Plekhanov Russian University as the only Academic of Honor at the event, delivering an inspiring talk to over 250 attendees. The presentation covered innovative leadership strategies, challenges of team management in changing environments, and applications of neuroeconomic insights to organizational development. This participation strengthened the Center’s regional visibility, expanded the university’s academic network, and provided opportunities for collaboration with leading industry and academic partners in the GCC and MENA region.
Research outcomes continue to be translated into practical business strategies and policy recommendations, demonstrating the applied value of the Center’s work.
Challenges
Key challenges identified during the period include resource allocation, data acquisition, and the need for additional research support staff. Measures are being taken to address these issues, including hiring research assistants and improving internal processes.
Future Focus
Looking ahead, NERC aims to align its research agenda with the UAE 2031 Strategy and broader GCC/MENA priorities. The Center will also focus on strengthening industry collaboration, integrating research into regional strategies, and launching new publication cycles.
The Neuroeconomics Research Center (NERC) continues to demonstrate steady progress in research, academic development, and regional engagement during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Key Achievements
During the reporting period, a total of 18 SME-focused case studies were completed, reflecting applied research across diverse industries. In addition, 11 student research papers are currently in progress and will be explored in greater detail in forthcoming news publications. These papers are being developed by undergraduate students of the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Marketing, including 2nd Year students (Mikhail Kanakhin, Sherzod Mirsadikov, Shuhrat Erkinov), 3rd Year Bachelor’s students (Ilia Fedoseev, Maxim Pogudin, Ashot Abraamian, Edgars Vasiljevs), and 2nd Year Master’s student (Nikita Lavrik, Master’s Degree Program in Corporate Finance).
NERC has also successfully developed and implemented academic modules in the field, contributing to curriculum enhancement and supporting the training and mentoring of future researchers.
Engagement and Outreach
The Center organized a workshop titled “Impactful Team Leadership” in December, aimed at the staff of Plekhanov Russian University. The workshop focused on practical strategies for improving team collaboration, enhancing decision-making processes, and applying neuroeconomic principles to leadership challenges. Participants engaged in interactive exercises, case studies, and group discussions, fostering hands-on learning and knowledge exchange between faculty and administrative staff.
Furthermore, NERC representatives delivered keynote speeches at the Leadership Summit 2025 (6th Edition) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, addressing the topic “Disleadership to Leadership: Toward Sustainable Organizations.” Professor Dr. Alex Jones, Ph.D. in Leadership, represented Plekhanov Russian University as the only Academic of Honor at the event, delivering an inspiring talk to over 250 attendees. The presentation covered innovative leadership strategies, challenges of team management in changing environments, and applications of neuroeconomic insights to organizational development. This participation strengthened the Center’s regional visibility, expanded the university’s academic network, and provided opportunities for collaboration with leading industry and academic partners in the GCC and MENA region.
Research outcomes continue to be translated into practical business strategies and policy recommendations, demonstrating the applied value of the Center’s work.
Challenges
Key challenges identified during the period include resource allocation, data acquisition, and the need for additional research support staff. Measures are being taken to address these issues, including hiring research assistants and improving internal processes.
Future Focus
Looking ahead, NERC aims to align its research agenda with the UAE 2031 Strategy and broader GCC/MENA priorities. The Center will also focus on strengthening industry collaboration, integrating research into regional strategies, and launching new publication cycles.