VyatSU participated in a strategic session on digital transformation of the regional construction industry

      On July 15, a two-day strategic session titled “Digital Transformation of the Region. Kirov Region. Construction” concluded at Vyatka State University. The event was organized by the Government of the Kirov Region and the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Digital Economy” with support from the Russian Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services and the Main State Expertise of Russia.

      A significant part of the final day program was dedicated to a plenary session focused on the challenges of artificial intelligence application in the construction industry. The best practices for using AI were presented by JSC SZ “Kirovsky SSK,” GK “Zhelezno,” JSC “OHK “Uralchem,” LLC “BRIO MRS.” An educational intensive on the use of neural networks in construction was particularly beneficial for the attendees. As usual, active participants included representatives of Vyatka State University, specifically the Faculty of Construction and Architecture. Digitalization has been actively implemented in the educational process there since 2015, although the faculty began adopting information modeling technologies five years earlier. This allowed them to become true professionals with a required set of competencies.

      — Moving to digital means a completely different systemic thinking. It can be conditionally defined as comprehensive, as project work is collaboratively conducted in a digital environment. This is a collective and entirely non-standard format, where, besides professional knowledge and skills, active communication competencies are required. Modern students are oriented precisely towards this approach, — said Olga Sinitsyna, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Architecture at VyatSU.

      As an example, Olga Vladimirovna cited projects implemented by the leading engineering school of Polytechnic and comprehensive final qualifying works (VKR), created by teams of soon-to-be specialists from various educational fields. Usually, an entire student team works on each project: builder, electrical engineer, heat engineering specialist, BZD expert, and BIM manager. As a result, a holistic, thoroughly developed systemic product emerges — exactly the outcome dictated by modern requirements.

      Digital representation and visualizations allow problems to be identified and corrected in advance, demonstrate all the advantages of the project, and conduct virtual tours for potential users.

      All these stages of work are implemented at the Polytechnic Institute of Vyatka State University, whose three faculties — the Faculty of Construction and Architecture, the Electrical Engineering Faculty, and the Faculty of Technologies, Engineering, and Design — collaborate effectively.

      It is also worth noting that all work at Vyatka State University is currently carried out using domestic software.

      Another important aspect of training in-demand specialists is regular cooperation with regional construction industry leaders.

      — Employers and invited experts perceive students as like-minded colleagues. This is very honorable but also responsible, as it sets new growth points for us. Many events for builders are held in the Kirov Region. Importantly, Vyatka State University acts as an equal partner, — concluded Olga Sinitsyna.