Survival Strategies for IT Companies During Crisis: A Case Study of Russia

This thesis addresses the decision-making and survival strategies of IT companies in Russia amid socio-political conflicts. It investigates why IT firms choose to stay or leave Russia and the survival tactics they employ. Employing mixed methods, including qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis, two key experiments form the core of this research. The first experiment uncovers reasons driving IT migration, including economic sanctions, financial issues, regulatory complexities, and reputational risks. The second experiment assesses strategies used by IT companies that remain, involving business model innovation, remote work, risk management, and Asian market expansion. This study offers insights into IT industry resilience in conflict zones, with implications for operational planning in Russia and similar contexts, contributing to a broader understanding of adaptability to socio-political conflicts.