The plan for Russia’s technological development through 2030 was designed to accelerate the growth of science, personnel, and engineering expertise across the country. Implemented earlier this year, it emphasizes preparing the workforce of tomorrow today. The questions guiding discussions were clear: who will train college and university students, what qualifications will be demanded in the near future, and how can vocational training align with the needs of the energy sector? In the session on Scientific and technological development and digital transformation, experts explored these topics and more, focusing on how information technology can drive progress in the Russian fuel and energy complex. Alexey Kulapin, the Director General of the Russian Energy Agency, served as moderator for the dialogue.
Science and business integration
During his remarks, Sergei Machekhin, Deputy General Director of Project Engineering, Sustainable Development and International Cooperation at RusHydro, highlighted a gap between university and postgraduate education and the competencies required by modern industry. He pointed out that many firms still operate in relative isolation from the educational system and consumer demand, calling for a realignment of existing processes through closer collaboration between applied science and production needs.
According to Machekhin, universities should develop programs that train new specialists who can make production engineering their primary vocation. Mikhail Khardikov, Operations Director at En+ energy and metallurgical holding, stressed that the key is not to miss the moment when knowledge and skills from academia begin to blend with practical work. En+ places strong importance on building staff reserves and engaging young people early. In today’s labor market, interest in future tasks, growth prospects, and career pathways often outweighs immediate payoffs for young entrants.
To attract youth, En+ has already started outreach in schools, beginning in the tenth grade. This year, about 200 students in Siberia participated in career guidance programs, providing an early glimpse into the energy sector and the kinds of work it offers. Khardikov also underscored the role of secondary vocational education, noting the distinctive nature of hydroelectric engineering given the limited number of specialized institutions and hydroelectric plants. En+ participates in the Federal Professionalism Program with projects at the Ust-Labinsk Social Pedagogical College and an energy college in Irkutsk, investing around 30 million rubles annually for a decade. This sustained engagement is paired with a commitment to higher education through university partnerships. The company supports digital training through its IT Academy, scholarships for talented students, and targeted programs to attract digital professionals to the sector.
This year, En+ and its partners awarded 800 personalized scholarships to scholars, spanning not just engineers and metallurgists, but also prospective teachers and medical professionals. These scholarships aim to broaden the pool of future specialists who can contribute to the energy economy while pursuing meaningful careers.
Towards universities
Nikolai Rogalev, rector of the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute, continued the discussion on integrating university education with business needs in higher education. He emphasized practical use of university knowledge and noted mechanisms that enable company participation in the educational process. Viktor Martynov, rector of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, concurred that all integration tools exist, but effective use remains the challenge. He observed that collaboration often stalls at critical points, especially at intersections where progress should accelerate.
Martynov argued for a long-range industry plan—scientific projects with stable financing that address industry problems without pitting institutions against each other. Khardikov joined the focus on teaching quality, stressing the importance of capable instructors who can deliver vocational education in colleges and technical schools. He cited En+ programs that train teachers for the Irkutsk Polytechnic Institute and the Energy Institute as a practical model. The discussion concluded with a proposal to establish a personnel training center in Krasnoyarsk to reduce the need to move teachers from Central Russia to Siberia and the Far East, ensuring a steady supply of skilled educators for the region’s growing energy engineering workforce.