Contributing to the development of Russian territories is one of the priority activities of the New Eurasia Foundation.  In a global economic recession, this program has become even more relevant for the Foundation, as well as its partners, because the implementation of territorial development projects can have a significant positive impact upon the social climate in the Russian regions.

To ensure the effectiveness of its projects, the Foundation uses a resource-oriented approach to the solution of social problems, which enables it to facilitate the design and implementation of territorial development strategies, help improve the professional qualifications of municipal and regional officials, and work to mobilize the innovation potential and ensure sustainable development of the regions.

We interpret the idea of resources very broadly: from infrastructure to human capital, from the potential of government structures and local authorities to corporate social responsibility.  For example, the development resources of some regions may be represented by their central regional cities (“National projects in large cities” project), whereas defence industry enterprises may serve as development resources for other regions (“New management technologies – new development quality” project).  Businesses and government are the principal development resources of single-industry regions and former closed autonomous territories (ZATO).  Taking into account a territory’s actual resource base, the Foundation strives to create a functional social partnership, ensure conditions for cross-sectoral collaboration, and actively involve representatives of the regional and municipal governments, businesses, and NGOs in the solution of social problems.
 

The first contest for the best coverage of the relevant social issues in Russia was held among printed and online mass media outlets at the end of 2009. The contest was organized by the New Eurasia Foundation, the newspaper “Trud”, and “Interfax” Information Group.