Trust is an “invisible asset” that accelerates economic development. Domestically, a deficit of trust manifests as a gap between expectations and reality across various areas. Globally, this deficit transforms into tangible barriers to dialogue and cooperation. To transform the economy, it is essential to build an ecosystem of trust, where cross-cultural cooperation becomes a primary growth driver rather than a mere addition.

An ecosystem of trust builds a solid reputation for the country and its economy within the global community. Yet in today’s geopolitical climate, the world is experiencing deglobalisation and fragmentation. Traditional institutions of trust, such as international law, the WTO, and collaborative research programmes, are failing to function smoothly. Trust in them is near exhaustion. Nevertheless, the demand for cooperation remains high, particularly in critical areas such as education, healthcare, pharmacology, food security, high-tech, and key manufacturing sectors.

According to economists, achieving an “innovation leap” and an “economic miracle” demands a “build-up of trust” that minimises “friction” between market participants. When mutual trust prevails, there is no need to seek additional guarantees or anticipate potential gains. At the same time, technological trends have driven the growth of “new trust”, while Russian art and culture, owing to their strong self-identity and authenticity, have underpinned a new global trend. They have laid the groundwork for a renaissance of classical art, capturing the attention of international artists seeking its roots. Therefore, the alliance of such forces has the capacity to drive positive economic and social progress.

Trust between the key pillars of national development – academia, industry, culture, and government – is no longer merely a form of “soft power”. Today, it is a fundamental driver of economic momentum. Real success, growth, and innovation are consistently observed where operational frameworks of trust are firmly in place. Consequently, fostering a high-functioning ecosystem of trust is essential for economic expansion. This is not a matter of ideology, but one of economic expediency: the higher the level of mutual trust within a society, the lower the cost of doing business. Eliminating the barriers built by mistrust unlocks a pipeline for capital flows that have previously stalled for years in anticipation of a more supportive environment.

What constitutes an ecosystem of trust in the context of economic development, and how can its impact on technological sovereignty be measured? How does an ecosystem of trust operate in practice, and what are the systemic mechanisms required to establish it? Which frameworks of the trust ecosystem are currently functioning in Russia and on an international scale? In what ways does a cyber-sovereign ecosystem of trust drive the consolidation of technological sovereignty and the export capabilities of Russian IT solutions, and what are the respective roles of the state, business, and culture? Which configurations of trust-based cooperation are transforming into “pillars” for technological leadership? What measurable dividends do the state, businesses, and society derive from cross-cultural, educational, and cross-sectoral frameworks of trust?