The Development Corporation of the Nizhny Novgorod Region presented its practices at the International Forum “InRussia”

The Development Corporation of the Nizhny Novgorod Region has presented its best practices at the international Forum “InRussia”, taking place in Omsk from October 8 to 10. The event has brought together more than two thousand participants from over 50 regions of Russia and from other countries. Its organizers are the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Omsk Region, and the Association of Clusters, Technology Parks and SEZs of Russia, together with the National Association of Investment and Development Agencies.

During the session “Sustainable Development of Sites as a Key Factor in National and International Competitiveness”, Dmitry Druzhkin, Managing Director for Communications Policy and Marketing at the Development Corporation, spoke about the implementation of sustainable development principles in the management of special economic zone “Kulibin”. He recalled that the Nizhny Novgorod SEZ became the first industrial site in Russia to implement a low-carbon development strategy. The environmental policy of the management company covers environmental protection, the rational use of resources, waste management, and support for regional projects in the field of sustainable development. Its implementation aligns with the goals of the national project “Ecological Well-Being”, initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As part of the implementation of social policy in the “Kulibin” SEZ, the creation of recreational infrastructure is planned, and a residential complex with a polyclinic, a school, and a kindergarten is to be built in the immediate vicinity of the site.

In addition, the round table “Digital and AI-Driven Transformation of Industrial Infrastructure Management” featured Nizhny Novgorod digital services for business: an investment portal twice recognized as the best in the country, an investment map, a support-measure calculator, an investment showcase displaying ongoing and planned projects, and a personal account for residents of the “Kulibin” SEZ.

Furthermore, Roman Zolotov, Head of the Directorate for the Development of Personnel and Educational Potential of Investment Projects at the Development Corporation, presented a comprehensive program for staffing the residents of the “Kulibin” SEZ at the session “Industrial Development Leaders: The Personnel Framework for the Industrialization of Regions”. The program includes an analysis of companies' needs and a system of cooperation with educational institutions: the creation of new and the adjustment of existing educational programs, the organization of internships and practical training for students at resident companies, as well as career-guidance projects and targeted training programs. Currently, 12 educational institutions of the region are SEZ partners. Building a competitive personnel reserve aligns with the goals of the national project “Personnel”.

“Our specialists regularly develop and implement advanced practices for working with businesses and personnel. Only such comprehensive work makes it possible to create comfortable conditions for companies and employees. Participation in major forums of this kind allows us not only to share our own experience but also to exchange views with colleagues and gain new insights for further improvement,” said Igor Ishchenko, Director General of the Development Corporation of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

For reference, the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation was established on the initiative of Governor Gleb Nikitin. The organization facilitates the implementation of projects at all stages – from providing information about the region and possible support measures, inspecting investment sites, to commissioning the facility – while assuming obligations for interaction with executive authorities, local self‑government bodies, natural monopoly entities, and other organizations.

For reference, the industrial special economic zone “Kulibin” was established in May 2020 on the territory of the Dzerzhinsk urban district. Today, the Dzerzhinsk part of the “Kulibin” SEZ covers an area of 724 hectares and includes the state site, as well as private sites operated by DPO “Plastic”, “Oka Polymer”, and “Sintez OKA”. In November 2025, the Russian Government issued a resolution to expand the SEZ territory by another 117,7 hectares, incorporating a site in the city of Bor. The total area of the “Kulibin” SEZ now amounts to about 842 hectares.