Позитивные изменения. Том 3, № 4 (2023). Positive changes. Volume 3, Issue 4(2023)

According to a study titled “The Role of Philanthropy and CSR in Supporting Science in Russia and Worldwide,” conducted by independent experts as part of the “Dialog Formula” project supported by the Presidential Grants Fund, Russia ranks second globally in state funding of science, at 67.8 %, just behind Mexico. In contrast, private funding for scientific research in other countries can reach up to 70 %. The Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, based on its monitoring of the progress of events being part of the “Science” National Project,[111] highlights the importance of not just planning for extrabudgetary funds but also developing mechanisms to attract private investments in collaboration with donors.

At the conference session “Donors as Drivers of Progress: Practices of Investing in Science in Russia and Worldwide,” the participants discussed private funding practices, the potential for integrating donor efforts in supporting science, and the challenges they face.[112] Experts taking part in the discussion suggested addressing intellectual property management issues, considering tax incentives to stimulate business interest in funding research, engaging all stakeholders in the dialog, and creating platforms for donors and science advocates to share experiences. These measures could foster an ecosystem facilitating the development of new knowledge and increasing private investments in science.

The Dialog Formula project,[113] initiated by the donor community in 2022, exemplifies the formation of new knowledge. Its goal is to develop philanthropic support for scientific projects in Russia amidst the country’s current challenges. This project integrates various activities for analyzing existing experience, creating new knowledge, and facilitating knowledge exchange through a dialog within the donor community, as well as between science and charity foundations’ representatives.

Russia ranks second globally in state funding of science, at 67.8 %, just behind Mexico.

Interestingly, the Donors Forum is not the only professional association aiding philanthropic organizations and socially responsible companies in establishing dialog with the science community to enhance the quality of investment in science. Similar initiatives exist in many countries. The Science[114] n the USA exemplifies such initiatives. It started a decade ago as a partnership between six major philanthropic institutions, which decided to join their efforts to offset a decline in the government funding for scientific research. Nowadays, the Alliance comprises over thirty foundations and philanthropic institutions, each investing between $200 million to $18 billion annually in science. Alliance membership allows sharing best practices and staying up to date on the most effective support models for fundamental science. In addition to directly funding scientific research, members address issues like open-source scientific data and gender representation in science, etc. One of the challenges being addressed by the Alliance members is the measurement of the impact of philanthropic support on fundamental scientific research. Unlike other sectors, the timeline for impact on technology or health in science can span decades, and effects may be manifested in areas distinct from where the original scientific breakthrough took place. To tackle this challenge, members of the Alliance have collaboratively developed a system of methods to assess the impact of their support. These methodologies serve the broader philanthropic community, aiding donors in selecting work practices and approaches that provide sufficient assurance that their contributions are truly impactful. Over the past decade, the Alliance has built a robust scientific-philanthropic community, facilitating networking, collaborative learning, and exploration of partnerships. Its events are now key benefits for many Alliance members, as they enhance knowledge sharing and respectively return on investment.

Donors universally recognize that knowledge, not money, is today’s primary competitive advantage and development resource for themselves and their partners.