“WTO Department in St. Petersburg State University” Project: Experience of the First Two Years

Abstract

The authors analyze first outcomes of the project “Development of the Centre of Excellence in trade and trade policy issues in SPSU”. Main activities of the Center include education, research, interaction with government authorities as well as with representatives of business society and general public. The authors discuss key achievements and challenges of the project.
Among the first key results of the projects there are: further development of International Trading System MA program, curriculum development, establishment of short-term practice-oriented trainings, and conduction of applied research. Russia’s accession to the WTO has increased the interest to the activities of the Center.
Key challenges of the project are connected with the choice of working language for the MA program (English or Russian), mode of study process, proper balance between the creative side of educational process and the Procrustean bed of existing administrative requirements, Economic Faculty international accreditation, imperfection of current marketing system, and many others.

Keywords:

WTO Chair, Center of excellence in trade and trade policy issues in SPSU