"Industrial construction forms a school of technological sovereignty"

Today, industrial construction is becoming not just a branch of the economy, but one of the key instruments of Russia's technological sovereignty. The implementation of large industrial projects forms its own engineering schools, accumulates unique competencies and sets new safety standards. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of TKB told Izvestia about why practical experience determines the sustainability of the economy, what challenges the industry faces and how the role of engineering companies is changing.Russian Federation Anatoly Isaikin.

— Why is industrial construction becoming one of the key drivers of Russia's technological sovereignty today?

— There really is quite a logical and consistent relationship here. The implementation of any large industrial facility — be it a factory, a mining and processing plant, or an energy infrastructure - begins with the analysis of a colossal array of information. These are engineering and geological surveys, technological calculations, work with government agencies, obtaining permits and approvals. And this is just the starting point of a long, multi-level process.

As each stage of the project progresses, unique practical experience is formed — managerial, engineering, and technological. Specialists learn to work with domestic solutions, adapt technologies, and build complex chains of interaction. It is this accumulated experience, a kind of "project school", that is becoming one of the key factors of technological sovereignty. Without practice, it is impossible to form stable competencies — this is especially evident here.

In addition, industrial construction is always a synthesis of many types of activities. In addition to design and actual construction, precise planning, strict budgeting, time management, and constant work in a changing regulatory environment are required. An essential role is played by the ability to quickly implement the best industry practices and innovative solutions in conditions of limited time and resources.

Forming teams that simultaneously possess engineering depth, managerial discipline, and an understanding of the regulatory environment is an extremely difficult task. But it is precisely such teams that allow the country not only to build individual facilities, but to form its own sustainable production and technological base. In this sense, industrial construction today is not just a sector of the economy, but the most important mechanism for the development and consolidation of technological sovereignty.

— How do you define the role of TCB?Russia in this industry transformation?

— As a connecting and backbone link. TCB.The Russian Federation implements Rostechnadzor's policy and approaches agreed with relevant agencies in the field of industrial and environmental safety, translating requirements and regulations into practical engineering solutions applicable in real projects.

In recent years, we have developed a serious knowledge base in the field of designing hazardous production facilities at all stages of the life cycle — from construction from scratch to reconstruction, modernization and conservation. We are well aware of the risks faced by projects at each stage, and which management and engineering solutions allow us to minimize these risks.

This experience allows TKB.The RF is not limited to the control function. We act as a full—fledged engineering company. We identify problem areas of complex projects in advance — whether it's technological solutions, safety, environmental issues, or regulatory compliance - and help build project logic so that critical errors do not occur at an early stage.

In the context of the transformation of the industry, the transition from formal compliance to meaningful risk and lifecycle management of facilities is especially important. This is where we see our key role — as an advocate of state security policy and as a business partner focused on sustainable and predictable development.

— What is the strategic mission of the TCB?The Russian Federation in the formation of domestic production infrastructure? What are the principles underlying the company's work?

Our strategic mission is to create a single system contour for industrial project support, which combines the best industry practices, expertise and government requirements into a single working model.

We consistently consolidate our knowledge in the field of design, engineering, industrial and technological safety. We are talking about the formation of structured methodologies and databases that allow us to make more accurate and verified decisions when implementing complex industrial projects. This is a long-term task that is directly related to the quality and sustainability of the domestic infrastructure.

I would like to mention our role as a "one-stop shop" between big business and government agencies. We undertake a significant part of the regulatory procedures, technical approvals and interaction with supervisory authorities. This approach allows businesses to focus on project implementation, and the government to ensure compliance with all established norms and standards.

The basic and unchangeable principle is the safety of people and the sustainable development of territories. Any industrial facility is primarily responsible to those who work on it, live nearby, and will operate it in the future.

We prioritize occupational safety, industrial and environmental safety, and strict compliance with all requirements and standards. The development of industry should not run counter to the interests of society — on the contrary, it should contribute to improving the quality of life and the formation of a modern industrial environment.

The second principle is consistency and balance. The state implements large-scale industrial programs, and formalism and waste of time are unacceptable here. Therefore, we rely on planning, coordination of participants and responsible use of resources. This ensures the sustainability of projects and the achievement of set goals.

— Where, in your opinion, is the greatest potential for import-independent development concentrated today?

— The highest and at the same time underestimated potential is human resources and human capital. Russia is rich in resources, but it is equally important that we have a strong engineering school and scientific traditions. It is people who are the bearers of technology.

The government is already building the right combination — industrial clusters are being formed, educational programs are being updated, and development institutions are being created. But a sustainable effect is possible only with the close interaction of education, industry and real projects.

It is fundamentally important for us that specialists go through the "project school" — they work with real objects, complex technological tasks and security requirements. It is in such an environment that personnel are formed who are able not only to replace imports, but to create their own competitive solutions.

— Which digital tools are most in demand in industrial construction today?

— First of all, these are applied digital solutions that directly affect the manageability, safety and predictability of industrial facilities. We are talking about automated process control systems — automated control systems and related monitoring systems.

In fact, we are talking about digitizing data at all levels of the facility. These are instrument readings, equipment condition, process parameters, and data on industrial and environmental safety, such as monitoring of air conditions in mines, pressure, temperature, vibrations, and concentrations of hazardous substances. The key is not just collecting this data, but instant access to it and the ability to analyze it in close to real time.

At the same time, the main difficulty today lies not so much in the lack of technology as in the integration of disparate digital solutions into a single circuit. At many sites, data is collected, but remains fragmented — in different systems, formats, and from different project participants. The task of the new generation of industrial construction is to learn how to combine these data, ensure their comparability, reliability and security.

There is a separate issue of personnel and methodology. Digital tools require specialists who understand technology, industrial safety, and regulatory requirements. Without this, digitalization becomes a formality. Therefore, today the greatest effect is provided not by "showcase" solutions, but by those tools that are integrated into real production processes and supported by competent teams.

— Due to what TKB.Is the Russian Federation able to accelerate the commissioning of facilities?

— First of all, through a systematic approach to project support at all stages of their life cycle. We do not join projects when problems arise, but at the early stages — at the stage of conception and design. This allows you to identify potential risks, bottlenecks, and inconsistencies with industrial and environmental safety requirements in advance, which otherwise inevitably lead to delays at later stages.

The second important factor is a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and law enforcement practices. TCB.The Russian Federation works according to the logic of implementing Rostechnadzor's policy and approaches agreed with relevant departments, so we are able to build processes in such a way that design solutions initially meet current requirements. This significantly reduces the number of revisions, re-approvals, and formal project shutdowns.

I would also like to highlight the role of accumulated expertise. Due to our experience working with hazardous production facilities at different stages of their life cycle — from construction from scratch to modernization and conservation — we can quickly identify problem areas and offer engineering and organizational solutions that allow us not to waste time correcting mistakes.

In addition, we actively use applied digital tools for monitoring, analyzing, and coordinating processes. Prompt access to data, transparency of the progress of work and a single information field between project participants significantly increase the manageability and speed of decision-making.

As a result, accelerated commissioning of facilities is achieved not by simplifying requirements or making safety compromises, but by predictability, planning, and quality engineering training.

— How critical is speed for customers today, and how does this affect the industry as a whole?

— Today, speed has become one of the key factors, often comparable in importance to the budget and technical characteristics of the project. However, it is important to emphasize that this is not about formally speeding up or shortening milestones, but about predictability and manageability of deadlines. Customers increasingly expect that the project will be structured in such a way that the risks of delays are minimized even at the start — due to competent planning, correct design decisions and understanding of regulatory requirements.

This demand for speed is significantly transforming the industry as a whole. The role of the early stages is increasing — pre-design study, engineering surveys, and coordination of participants. Companies that are able to take into account in advance the requirements of industrial and environmental safety, regulatory restrictions and real conditions of implementation gain a competitive advantage.

At the same time, the responsibility of all market participants is increasing. Speed cannot be achieved through compromises on safety or quality. On the contrary, the industry is gradually coming to understand that safety and speed are interrelated things: the fewer errors and improvements, the faster the facility is put into operation.

As a result, we see a shift from point-based, reactive solutions to a more systematic work model. And it is this shift — from "catch—up control" to project management throughout its entire lifecycle - that is shaping the new standard of industrial construction today.

— As a TKB.The Russian Federation is forming its own engineering schools and maintaining human resources, and which competencies of engineers and designers are most in demand today?

— We proceed from the fact that the engineering school is formed not in the classroom, but in real projects. Therefore, we focus on the transfer of practical experience: we involve young professionals in complex industrial projects, work in a mentoring format, and form interdisciplinary teams.

In addition, we systematize the accumulated knowledge — best practices, standard solutions, analysis of errors and complex cases. This base becomes the basis for internal training and professional development. Interaction with specialized universities and industry institutes also plays an important role. It is important for us that educational programs are as close as possible to the real tasks of the industry.

Today, system—level engineers are especially in demand - specialists who understand not only their narrow area, but also the logic of the project as a whole. This is knowledge of the full life cycle of an industrial facility, the ability to work at the interface of design, industrial and environmental safety, technology and regulatory requirements. We are focused on the formation and development of just such a school.

— What are the main challenges facing industrial construction in the coming years?

— One of the key challenges is the shortage of qualified personnel, especially specialists with experience in implementing large and complex projects. The second is the need to work in a rapidly changing regulatory environment and a high responsibility for safety.

Also, the integration of domestic technological solutions and equipment into existing production chains remains a serious challenge. This requires flexibility, engineering creativity, and a willingness to review established approaches. In these conditions, the importance of early planning and high-quality pre-design is increasing.

— What, in your opinion, will become a key factor in strengthening the technological sovereignty of the country?

— Technological sovereignty is not a one—time replacement for imported solutions, but the ability to independently design, build, operate and modernize complex industrial facilities. And I believe that the accumulation and retention of one's own competencies will be a key factor here. This is possible only with strong engineering teams, stable institutions, and working knowledge transfer mechanisms. In this sense, every successfully implemented project becomes a contribution to the long-term technological independence of the country.

— How do you see the role of TKB?Russia in the long term — 10-15 years on the horizon?

— Our role is to be a reliable partner for the government and business, a single operator capable of supporting complex industrial projects throughout their life cycle, forming engineering schools and setting quality and safety standards. There are 10-15 years of TKB on the horizon.The Russian Federation is not just a market participant, but an institutional element of the country's industrial development, ensuring continuity of knowledge, stability of infrastructure and predictability of the implementation of strategically important projects. We see TKB.The Russian Federation as a center of industry competencies and system engineering, which combines best practices, expertise and a government approach to security issues.