The article discusses two approaches to assessing the relationship between Science (grasping principles of nature) →Engineering (application of science) →Technology and Innovation (making engineering useful for public good and/or commercial gain) and their role in formation of economy. It is considered in relation to the Soviet history and economic development as well as in conjunction with planning, social policy and education. The philosophy of the process is at attempt to be analysed the achievement of the status of the superpower.

The problem of raising the retirement age in our country has been under discussion from the very outset of pension insurance market reforms, is for a quarter of a century, and without any apparent progress towards its solution. At the same time, all civilized countries have already developed a clear action program to address this problem, although with different social and economic consequences: some of them raised the pensionable age in one-two years, using shock instruments, some of the countries distended this process for decades, others renounced the age regulator of pension insurance rights. In the current socio-economic conditions the problem of raising retirement age in Russia has become especially acute.

The paper is devoted to consideration of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in the context of social changing. ART raise many medical, social, ethical, political and religious questions, often leading to controversial and sometimes inaccurate opinions about the outcomes of pregnancies resulting from these techniques. We analyze the process of ART implementation in Russia. Such consequences as new types of social inequality and new forms of social mobility, new aspects of kinship, transforming traditional social roles are focus of our interest. Using and distribution of ART do not simply reflect the existing structure of the socio-economic differentiation, but produce new configurations of inequality both globally and within countries, particularly in the area of reproductive rights and reproductive health. Access to ART depends on social status, gender, economic status, religious beliefs and national characteristics for different social groups. We also can speak about reproductive bioeconomics where the reproductive labor e.g. surrogate motherhood is a central element and reproductive tissues are main objects to be exchanged. ART may be considered a great example how modern science and technology may influence social relations and social practices.

Today the problems of efficient innovation development are in the spotlight of government bodies. Obviously, only in this way it is possible to succeed in improving the national economy competitiveness in the medium and especially in the long term. This understanding was formed as a result of evaluating the existing resource constraints, consequences and prospects of wide spread of information and computer technologies, biotechnology, alternative energy sources, automation of production processes and so on. It has become even more prominent on the background of the global financial crisis, hardly predictable high volatility in commodity markets and environmental problems aggravation caused by the use of technologies hostile to environment.

The power of elite and its interests affect every person. In the era of globalization it is imperceptible. Influence is unnoticeable, but exists and indirect methodology works well. Then we have to make a question about the possibilities. When the situation is confused, multy-subject and contaminated by information background, to talk about interests and benefits means to condemn oneself to unraveling the Gordian knot. It is much easier to understand the opportunities. Let us throw away doubts – any opportunities will be necessarily used by elite. So what is the elite?

The author considers features of functioning of organs of government (board of directors and management) in joint-stock company. It is possible to present company director not only in the form of organs which is born by fiduciary duties of due care before the company and its shareholders of the company, but also as agents who render services to shareholders. The author suggests to consider organs of government in two directions (as corporate organ which are allocated by powers and are a company integral part and as agents who render services to shareholders) as such review allows shareholders to expect the true purposes of a director and not to admit destruction of shareholder value.

Increasing public investment in the Russian Federation to facilitate economic growth in the current situation is impossible, therefore the problem of improving their efficiency becomes increasingly important. The above issue has become the subject of many studies showing that public investments effectiveness varies considerably from country to country. It is affected by various factors: structural changes in the economy, sectoral funding distribution, applied mechanisms of planning, management and stimulation. Moreover, analyzing some countries’ experience of economic growth stimulation through public investment it is necessary to take into account their economic and historical situation, the resource base, as well as political attitudes. According to the theory, public investments do not always contribute to the economy dynamic development. At the same time, empirical studies prove that public capital invested in such sectors as transport, communication and education is effective as a whole. An important task is the analysis of mechanisms of priority investment projects state support, existing in the world practice, and their revision with regard to conditions and needs of the Russian Federation.

The article is dedicated to the most important philosophical term of the East Asian countries— Тao — and is a kind of Rubicon in comprehension of this term’s meaning. The innovation of article consists in reconsideration of the very essence of Tao’s use and existence as a word and as a term of oriental philosophy, in destruction of ideas about Tao in traditional scientific and philosophical conception of ideas, as well as in promotion of essentially new postulate on this term’s destination in ancient canons of the Far East, in particular, in Ancient Chinese treatises.

Review of the monograph by V.I. Dashichev “From Stalin to Putin. Memories and reflections on the past, the present and the future”.

Opening address of editor-in-chief.