The Expert Institute for Social Research opened a studio at the Russia exhibition

The first event was the presentation of a study on the perception of the exhibition by Russians

At the largest exhibition “Russia” on Tuesday, December 12, a new site opened – the EISI studio. At it, experts will discuss the current agenda, as well as present their own research. Thus, as part of the opening of the studio, a presentation of the study “Exhibition “Russia” through the eyes of Russians: the country’s achievements, common values ​​and image of the future” will take place. The study was prepared by specialists from the Higher School of Economics, INSOMAR and EISI experts. It includes both data from quantitative and qualitative sociological research, as well as analytical conclusions that allow us to assess the significance of the exhibition in the life of the country.

“Due to the fact that so many people visit the exhibition, we could not help but open a point of attraction for experts. Political scientists, sociologists, and analysts will be able to openly discuss here what is happening at the exhibition and in the country. There will also be separate expert events to which we will attract journalists,” EISI Executive Director Anna Fedulkina said about the new studio, adding that at the moment the exhibition has already been visited by more than 2 million Russians.

Expert and analytical events on current issues of the country’s socio-political agenda and the content of the exhibition’s event series will be regularly held in the studio at the site of the International Exhibition and Forum “Russia”.

As part of the first discussion in the new studio, the Higher School of Economics presented an express report on the exhibition’s progress. Experts surveyed 1,293 visitors of different ages.

9 out of 10 respondents noted that they learned a lot of new things at the exhibition, especially about the regions of the country. 85% noted that they really liked the content of the exhibition. Sociologists are sure that this is a very high figure. Also, the survey was conducted not only about the content of the exhibition, but also about the possibility of self-realization in our country. Thus, 93% of respondents believe that young people in Russia have such an opportunity. More than a quarter (29%) of respondents expressed interest in master classes. This indicates that the exhibition solves two problems: entertainment and education. Most visitors come in groups, and 14% said they came to the exhibition again.

“Pride is the main leitmotif of all the surveys that we conducted at the Russia exhibition. The vast majority of respondents are convinced that the achievements presented at the exhibition make them proud of their country. People also responded that the exhibition instills confidence that we live in one of the most advanced countries in the world, and that the achievements presented at the exhibition instill confidence in the future. The exhibition inspires and gives strength, the desire to try something new,” said Ivan Gruzdev, director of internal research and academic development of students, director of the Center for the Sociology of Higher Education at the Institute of Education of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

Director of Policy Analysis at the Institute of Social Marketing (INSOMAR), Viktor Poturemsky, showed quotes from visitors and reported what general conclusions could be drawn from the feedback received.

“We conducted focus groups with visitors to the exhibition and tried to understand what meanings people take away from it. Emotional attitude towards the exhibition: unconditional joy and delight. The exhibition brings a sense of cohesion and unity, hope,” Poturemsky said.

“The exhibition took over from the Soviet VDNKh the role of “summarizing” the results. Many people are tortured by everyday life; they think they know everything. Basically no one stops or looks back. This exhibition gives people, society, and various industries the opportunity to stop and look at themselves and the country from the outside. They see that the regions are firmly on their feet, that we have done a lot of work over the past 20 years, and they feel proud. Confidence and pride are a good foundation for designing the future,” Gleb Kuznetsov, head of the EISI Expert Council, summed up the meeting.