The Chair of Economic Theory of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics: Birth, History of Rise and Today’s Development, Best Practices of Management and HR Training

The article provides a complex review of the Chair of Economic Theory of the Russian Plekhanov University of Economics operation, which highlights its historical importance, scientific and pedagogical achievements and today’s initiatives. It is the oldest chair set up in 1907 and now it is a multi-profile center of research. The historical excursus includes such key stages of the Chair work as foundation of the academic society in 1915, employees’ contribution to struggle with fascism during the Great Patriotic War, post-war participation in the Head Council on Economics, cultivation of virgin lands and so on. Special attention was paid to prominent economists, who worked on the Chair and developed its current outlook. They are: G. S. Grigorian, the Head of the Chair from 1959 to 1975, who researched commodity production and trade capital; L. I. Abalkin, the Head from 1967 to 1976, a well-known opponent to liberal reforms; G. P. Zhuravleva, the author of 30 text-books and 200 works, who brought up 40 PhD and Doctors of Science; L. G. Cherednichenko, who headed the Chair when it won the competition ‘The Beast Chair of Economics’ (2010); E. V. Ustyuzhanina, who founded the School of Young Researchers. Among the present day achievements of the Chair (the Head of the Chair is I. P. Komarova) we can mention 41 publications in Scopus (8 – Q1/Q2), 19 – in WoS; 9 patents; RNF grants (3.85M rubles); 13 text-books and 6 work-books; programs of further education (crypto-currency trading, ESG-transformation). The Chair mission is to develop economic thinking, promote science and adapt education to global challenges. Characteristic features of the Chair include rich history and continuity in academic schools. The Chair takes a leading position in methodological work through arranging school contests, on-line courses and delivering master programs. Geography of the Chair partners includes the Republic of Belarus, Uzbekistan and China. Innovation technologies are widely introduced and used in tutorial work, such as conferences, quests, round-table discussions with students’ participation.