Institute for Social Development Studies was established in the Higher School of Economics in December 2005. The Institute specializes in interdisciplinary - economic, sociological and legal - research of social processes in Russia and its regions, as well as in CIS countries:

• Comprehensive analysis of the current state and development of social sector and labor markets in Russia and its regions, assessment of the effectiveness of social policies and social reforms on federal and regional levels;
• Analysis and expert assessment of social projects, including the role of the third sector (NGOs) in developing and implementing social policies;
• Analysis and expert evaluation of human resource management in Russian enterprises;
• Analysis of social partnership mechanisms;
• International and regional comparative studies of social development;
• Gender studies, especially in the field of labor and employment.

The Institute also actively implements educational and counseling programs (seminars, trainings, round tables, conferences) for corporate management, regional and local administrators, NGOs, and trade unions, including:

• Evaluation of the effectiveness of social programs on a regional, city, and company level;
• Analysis of labor markets on a regional and city level;
• HR audits in companies;
• Social responsibility of business;
• Monitoring of the social climate in enterprises;
• Prevention and resolution of labor conflicts.

Members of the Institute act as experts and consultants, and conduct research projects for Russian ministries and government organizations, as well as for international organizations such as the International Labour Organization, UN Development Programme (UNDP), OECD, World Bank, USAID, etc.

Academic research activities of the Institute staff was supported by a number of authoritative scientific foundations and programs, such as the Russian Humanitarian Research Foundation, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Gorbachev Foundation, Eurasia Foundation, TACIS, Copernicus, Canadian International Cooperation Agency (CIDA), etc.

The Institute conducts applied research and consultancy projects, and implements educational programs for Russian business. Among its business partners - the largest Russian companies such as TNK-BP, Lukoil and others.