Training of Elite Engineering and Technology Experts

Abstract

Pyotr Chubik, Eng.D., Professor, Rector of National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russian Federation. Email: chubik@tpu.ru Address: 30 Lenina Ave., Tomsk, 634050, Russian Federation.

Aleksandr Chuchalin, Eng.D., Professor, Vice Rector for Academic and International Affairs at National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russian Federation. Email: chai@tpu.ru Address: 30 Lenina Ave., Tomsk, 634050, Russian Federation.

Mikhail Solovyov, Eng.D., Associate Professor, Head of Division of Academic Methodology at National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russian Federation. Email: solo@tpu.ru Address: 30 Lenina Ave., Tomsk, 634050, Russian Federation.

Oksana Zamyatina, Eng.D., Associate Professor, Head of Elite Engineering Education Department at National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russian Federation. Email: zamyatina@tpu.ru Address: 30 Lenina Ave., Tomsk, 634050, Russian Federation.

This is a comparative analysis of training programs for elite engineering and technology experts in Russian and foreign universities. The paper has discovered priorities of these programs in establishing competencies of future engineering leaders.

Elite Russian higher engineering education has been traditionally and fundamentally focused on natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, and practical trainings. Elite engineering programs in Russian universities are designed to develop professional competencies of students but they provide a relatively weak humanitarian background. Unlike in Russia, major foreign universities, particularly in the US, complement their engineering programs with a humanitarian component, paying specific attention to developing business skills, leadership qualities, and universal (personality) competencies in students to satisfy long-term society requirements.

Development of an elite engineering education system in Russia has been studied through the example of National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University. The elite engineering education program here is designed to train leaders in priority engineering and technology fields in order to provide a resource efficient national economy. The TPU program aims at developing fundamental, innovative, business, and leadership oriented competencies, both professional and universal. Academic mobility and double-degree Master’s programs have been realized in cooperation with major foreign universities to make graduates more viable and to gain international experience.