The meeting opened with a presentation by Alexander Bukhanovsky, head of the Research Institute for High-Tech Computer Technologies, who showcased the latest R&D by his team. One of the presented projects was the development of methods, models and data processing for protecting St. Petersburg from floods. Using an interactive touch table, experts could see the simulations of water activity, levels, speed and other characteristics for the Gulf of Finland and the Neva River. Institute’s staff explained to the guests how monitoring the situation in real time allows to manage the dam and save the city from flooding. 
 
Marianna Chistyakova, manager of the 5-100 Project, shared that today the long-term development model involves three parts: long-term development plans till 2034, progress scenario for boosting competitiveness till 2020, and practical steps for 2015 – 2016 as outlined in the “roadmap.” The common theme here is the establishment of a competitive university that will be an important player among world’s research centers, strengthening its positions as entrepreneurship and technology-transfer oriented, and boosting its social functions. 
 
Achievement of these goals will be possible thanks to the establishment of the Translational Medicine Institute, Institute of Design and Urban Studies, International Cluster “Information and Optics Technologies in Arts and Culture,” managing a popular science project “World of Science,” participation in international research projects Multi-GNSS Asia and European XFEL, establishment of multidiscipline educational programs with leading universities, development of new research fields. Other key strategic initiatives include reaching leading positions in Photonics and IT, gaining recognition in the international education marketplace, significant boost of the University’s academic reputation and forming an international brand.
 
The long-term strategy was at the core of the boosting competitiveness program outlined in the “roadmap” of ITMO University, which got the highest marks from the council members. 
 
 “The core of ITMO University’s development strategy is based on best practices of partner universities, such as unique training of engineers, orientation towards graduate programs, attracting leading foreign specialists, developed innovations ecosystem and high entrepreneurial potential, among others,” said Marianna Chistyakova. 
 
The effectiveness of the strategic model was praised by the members of the Council.
 
“We welcome the changes taking place at ITMO University,” said Andrey Svinarenko, Head of the Infrastructure and Education Fund, Deputy Head of “Rosnano.” “Therefore we approved the initiative presented today and will continue to follow its development.”
 
Council members also approved the establishment of small innovative enterprises as part of the University that in the future will bring the results of the University’s R&D to market.