MGIMO Hosts International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in the Creative Industries
On 28 May 2025, the MGIMO AI Centre held its first International Scientific and Practical Conference on “Artificial Intelligence in the Creative Industries”. The event brought together representatives of federal ministries, international organisations, technology companies, and students from MGIMO, MIPT, and Moscow State University. With over 40 speakers from Russia and abroad, the conference served as an open platform for discussing strategies for the development of the creative economy amid rapid digitalisation. The event was moderated by Anna Abramova, Head of the MGIMO AI Centre.
Panel I: Governments and International Organisations – Supporting the Development of Creative Industries Through AI
Key speakers at the first session included:
This first panel provided an effective platform for open dialogue between federal government bodies and international organisations. Discussions focused on regulatory approaches to the digital economy, strategic development priorities, and opportunities for promoting Russian digital solutions, including AI-driven products. Particular attention was given to global markets and the role of government institutions in supporting the digital transformation of creative sectors, alongside the necessary conditions for expanding cross-border trade in intellectual digital products, including AI applications. A common theme was the need to balance technological progress with resilience and adherence to international standards.
Panel II: New Challenges and Opportunities for Business Development in the Creative Industries Through AI
The second session welcomed participants from business, start-ups, tech companies, creative associations, and production centres. Topics ranged from the use of generative AI in content creation and the transformation of traditional business models, to the legal and ethical challenges posed by automation of creative processes.
Speakers highlighted emerging professions at the intersection of technology and the arts, and stressed the need to modernise educational programmes to train specialists capable of navigating a fast-evolving digital landscape. Companies shared practical experiences of integrating AI into both operational and creative workflows, repeatedly emphasising the need for clear, transparent regulations to protect creators’ rights and ensure ethical standards.
At the same time, concern was expressed that excessive regulation could stifle innovation and slow sector growth.
Notable participants included:
Following the conference, participants developed a set of proposals aimed at improving the regulatory, educational, and technological landscape necessary for the sustainable growth of the creative economy.
Panel I: Governments and International Organisations – Supporting the Development of Creative Industries Through AI
Key speakers at the first session included:
- Marisa Henderson (Head, Creative Economy Programme, UNCTAD),
- Farid Nahli (Programme Coordinator, CIS Regional Office, International Telecommunication Union – ITU),
- Anastasia Parshakova (Deputy Chair, Russian Committee of the UNESCO Information for All Programme – IFAP),
- Maria Bolshakova (Deputy Director General, Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications – RCC),
- Yaroslav Skvortsov (Dean of the Faculty of International Journalism, MGIMO),
- Darya Sharova (Head of the AI Division, Moscow City IT Department),
- Dina Gorchakova (Project Manager for Digital Services Development, Russian Export Centre),
- Evgeniya Drozhashchikh and Maxim Kaziev (Ministry of Economic Development of Russia),
This first panel provided an effective platform for open dialogue between federal government bodies and international organisations. Discussions focused on regulatory approaches to the digital economy, strategic development priorities, and opportunities for promoting Russian digital solutions, including AI-driven products. Particular attention was given to global markets and the role of government institutions in supporting the digital transformation of creative sectors, alongside the necessary conditions for expanding cross-border trade in intellectual digital products, including AI applications. A common theme was the need to balance technological progress with resilience and adherence to international standards.
Panel II: New Challenges and Opportunities for Business Development in the Creative Industries Through AI
The second session welcomed participants from business, start-ups, tech companies, creative associations, and production centres. Topics ranged from the use of generative AI in content creation and the transformation of traditional business models, to the legal and ethical challenges posed by automation of creative processes.
Speakers highlighted emerging professions at the intersection of technology and the arts, and stressed the need to modernise educational programmes to train specialists capable of navigating a fast-evolving digital landscape. Companies shared practical experiences of integrating AI into both operational and creative workflows, repeatedly emphasising the need for clear, transparent regulations to protect creators’ rights and ensure ethical standards.
At the same time, concern was expressed that excessive regulation could stifle innovation and slow sector growth.
Notable participants included:
- Kristina Muravyeva (Head of Neuro-Linguistic and Cognitive Research Lab, Deputy Director at the Institute of Geopolitical Communications, RUDN),
- Tatyana Benois (President, National Artificial Intelligence Foundation),
- Dmitry Krivitsky (CTO, Points),
- Alexey Parfun (Co-founder and Vice-President, Russian Association of Communication Agencies; Co-chair, AI Committee, ReFace Technology),
- Andrey Son (CEO, Mobidriven),
- Ivan Salo (Editor, Inc.),
- Pavel Peregudov (Media Producer, Founder of the MyFilm48 AI Film Festival),
- Anna Vasileva (Deputy Director, ArtMasters),
- Olga Shkryaba (CEO, ReText.AI),
- Ilya Golovko (Chief Product Officer, Payments, Alfa-Bank),
- Oleg Linnikov (CEO and Head of Partnerships, StartechVC),
- Anton Melnichuk (CEO, Terra LLC),
- Marina Borisova and Angelina Volkova (President and Director of Strategic Development, NK JSC).
Following the conference, participants developed a set of proposals aimed at improving the regulatory, educational, and technological landscape necessary for the sustainable growth of the creative economy.
Farid Nahli, Programme Coordinator, ITU CIS Regional Office:
“The International Telecommunication Union sees artificial intelligence as a transformative force capable of reshaping how we address global challenges — from healthcare to climate threats. We are convinced that only through international cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and the development of common standards can AI evolve in a fair, transparent, and inclusive manner. ITU continues to act as a neutral platform bringing together governments, academia, and the private sector for the benefit of humanity.”
“The International Telecommunication Union sees artificial intelligence as a transformative force capable of reshaping how we address global challenges — from healthcare to climate threats. We are convinced that only through international cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and the development of common standards can AI evolve in a fair, transparent, and inclusive manner. ITU continues to act as a neutral platform bringing together governments, academia, and the private sector for the benefit of humanity.”
Anastasia Parshakova, Deputy Chair, Russian Committee of the UNESCO IFAP Programme:
“The use of AI in creative products certainly opens new opportunities but often does not align with the interests of creative professionals and raises serious concerns. Experts — including those from international organisations — stress the need for clear regulatory frameworks for AI in the creative industries, grounded in human rights and international ethical norms. Particular emphasis must be placed on data transparency, representativeness, diversity, and mandatory rights-holder consent.”
“The use of AI in creative products certainly opens new opportunities but often does not align with the interests of creative professionals and raises serious concerns. Experts — including those from international organisations — stress the need for clear regulatory frameworks for AI in the creative industries, grounded in human rights and international ethical norms. Particular emphasis must be placed on data transparency, representativeness, diversity, and mandatory rights-holder consent.”
Maria Bolshakova, Deputy Director General, RCC:
“Governments initially admire emerging technologies such as AI, but as they become widely adopted, the need for regulatory frameworks becomes evident — particularly to manage the sometimes chaotic pace of development. When encountering new technologies at the regional level, it makes sense to follow unified patterns and shared guidelines, which help form the basis for national legislation and simplify mutually beneficial decision-making at the intergovernmental level.”
“Governments initially admire emerging technologies such as AI, but as they become widely adopted, the need for regulatory frameworks becomes evident — particularly to manage the sometimes chaotic pace of development. When encountering new technologies at the regional level, it makes sense to follow unified patterns and shared guidelines, which help form the basis for national legislation and simplify mutually beneficial decision-making at the intergovernmental level.”
Yaroslav Skvortsov, Dean, Faculty of International Journalism, MGIMO:
“Media outlets tend to portray AI in a rather alarmist tone, driven by a lack of understanding and fear of the unknown. Will AI replace journalists, conduct interviews, or edit articles? Possibly — but the real issue is not new. Copyright, ethics, and creative integrity existed well before AI. Rather than restricting it, the media should learn to coexist with AI — and perhaps even learn from it. Thankfully, encouraging examples already exist.”
“Media outlets tend to portray AI in a rather alarmist tone, driven by a lack of understanding and fear of the unknown. Will AI replace journalists, conduct interviews, or edit articles? Possibly — but the real issue is not new. Copyright, ethics, and creative integrity existed well before AI. Rather than restricting it, the media should learn to coexist with AI — and perhaps even learn from it. Thankfully, encouraging examples already exist.”
Tatyana Benois, President, National Artificial Intelligence Foundation:
“AI is a powerful tool, but it is not a substitute for human creativity. Generative technologies enhance the work of artists, designers, and musicians, but the core value of the creative industries still lies in human vision and emotional depth. Overuse of AI risks homogenising creativity if algorithms merely replicate templates. The future lies in synergy — AI should handle routine tasks, leaving humans to focus on meaning, emotion, and cultural expression.”
“AI is a powerful tool, but it is not a substitute for human creativity. Generative technologies enhance the work of artists, designers, and musicians, but the core value of the creative industries still lies in human vision and emotional depth. Overuse of AI risks homogenising creativity if algorithms merely replicate templates. The future lies in synergy — AI should handle routine tasks, leaving humans to focus on meaning, emotion, and cultural expression.”
Dina Gorchakova, Project Lead, Digital Services Development, Russian Export Centre:
“Russia’s creative industries hold immense export potential, and the state is actively supporting their entry into international markets. The Russian Export Centre offers a full toolkit — from analytical resources to promotional support. Entrepreneurs already have access to over 100 online channels for promoting goods and services abroad, participation in trade missions, and international exhibitions under the ‘Made in Russia’ brand.”
“Russia’s creative industries hold immense export potential, and the state is actively supporting their entry into international markets. The Russian Export Centre offers a full toolkit — from analytical resources to promotional support. Entrepreneurs already have access to over 100 online channels for promoting goods and services abroad, participation in trade missions, and international exhibitions under the ‘Made in Russia’ brand.”
Anna Abramova, Head of the MGIMO AI Centre:
“National statistical agencies, including Rosstat, gather baseline data on the digital economy. However, there is still no comprehensive picture of AI development — in Russia or globally. Available assessments tend to be fragmented — from either global consulting firms or local players. Effective regulation and support, particularly in creative industries, require a deeper understanding of how AI is used — from design and media to digital art and audiovisual formats.”
“National statistical agencies, including Rosstat, gather baseline data on the digital economy. However, there is still no comprehensive picture of AI development — in Russia or globally. Available assessments tend to be fragmented — from either global consulting firms or local players. Effective regulation and support, particularly in creative industries, require a deeper understanding of how AI is used — from design and media to digital art and audiovisual formats.”
