06.02.2025
Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the Presidential Council on Science and Education via videoconference.
According to the President, Russia must remain competitive in key areas of technological development. This requires specialists capable of generating unique solutions, including for emerging industries, as well as utilizing advanced design and engineering methods. Training such professionals is one of the most important tasks at all levels of education, and it is crucial for the entire professional community to be involved in this effort. A continuous system for technical personnel training, from school to university, must be established.
There is a need to anticipate skill requirements decades ahead so that today’s students will be prepared to meet future challenges in 15–20 years. This must be a key objective when developing the new Education Development Strategy through 2040. Educational programs in mathematics and natural sciences should be comprehensively updated, balancing the volume of study materials to make them accessible and, most importantly, engaging for students.
The experimental phase of the "Professionalism" project, launched in 2022, is concluding this year. This initiative is based on close cooperation between educational institutions and enterprises in key economic sectors. Such a model of vocational education, where business participation is mandatory, must be enshrined in law. Given the rapid pace of technological progress, it is necessary to rethink curriculum content, teaching mechanisms, and workforce training structures, including for engineers.
Higher education must also adapt. The share of practical training in modern design and engineering tools, already used in real enterprises, must be significantly increased. Outdated courses that do not meet economic needs should be removed.
Additionally, universities should implement individualized study plans for students working in their future professions and adopt hybrid learning formats that maintain the depth and rigor of education.
A new higher education model should introduce phased professional education. This means that students should have the option to undergo certification at stages, earn qualifications, enter the workforce if they choose, and later continue their studies in either fundamental or specialized higher education programs.
Detailed information is available on the Kremlin website, and here.
