The New Generation Forum, an open discussion platform that brought together leading educators, scientists, managers and industry representatives, took place at Metinvest Polytechnic Participants discussed various issues during the event, particularly how to transform the metallurgical industry amid energy challenges, decarbonisation processes, and digital technologies.
Oleksandr POVAZHNY,Metinvest Polytechnic's rector, opened the event with a presentation on educational approaches for training a new generation of engineers. He emphasised the importance of combining academic learning with practice experience at enterprises, where students are already engaged in implementing sustainable production technologies.
"We have ambitious plans, which we are already brining to life in close cooperation with the business, particularly at the international level. This year, we officially began our partnership with Danieli, one of the leading companies in the global metallurgical equipment market. We are already preparing practical training for our students. Meanwhile, the international internship programme at Metinvest's foreign assets continues, with students actively participating," said the rector.
Not only did participants discuss specialist training, but also the changing industrial landscape. Oleh Davydenko, Metinvest Holding's Director of Corporate Communications Department, noted that the ecological transformation of enterprises requires quality communication with society, partners, and authorities in addition to technological solutions. Proper communication builds trust, which is essential for implementing long-term ESG-strategies.
"Today, we are direct participants of the large-scale changes in the industry sector. Changes always bring new opportunities for development, after all, despite its enormous impact on Ukraine's economy and society as a whole, industry remains underrated in terms of potential," stated Oleh DAVYDENKO.
Stanislav ZINCHENKO, GMK Center's Director, outlined the current state and development prospects of mining and steel sector in Ukraine. He said that many countries are now launching construction of new metallurgical enterprises, but shared challenges exist, particularly the absence of a new type of production culture and a shortage of specialist knowledgeable about green production. In this context, this partnership between education, science, and industry opens opportunities for Ukraine to become a driving force in sustainable industrial development.
Serhii DETIUK, Metinvest's Chief Information Officer, shared his experience in applying digital technology in metallurgy. He described the implementation of big data tools, artificial intelligence, and IoT, emphasising that Internet of Things technology is fundamental for digitalising production process, enabling enterprise optimisation, ensuring sustainability and enhancing efficiency. Serhii Detiul also highlighted the successful use of digital solutions in labour safety systems, which contribute to a decrease in production risks.
A science-oriented approach to industry modernisation was presented by Volodymyr KUKHAR, Metinvest Polutechnic's Prorector for Scientific Work. Daniil Tymoshenko, Zaporizhzhia Coke Plant's Deputy Chief Power Engineer and initiator of the forum, showcased practical cases of student initiatives for decarbonisation. He explained that the educational process at Metinvest Polytechnic extends beyond traditional academic knowledge, enabling direct participation in large-scale projects, scientific research, and practical tasks that contribute to industry transformation.
Vitalii KOVALENKO, Metinvest Holding's Chief Sustainability Officer, shared the company's strategic approach to achieving carbon neutrality. He revealed that a decarbonisation plan had been developed before the full-scale invasion began. Current cooperation with Metinvest Engineering focuses on developing an updated technological strategy that considers modern challenges and international experience.
Oleksandr KURPE, Head of the Engineering and Technology Group of 'Adria' project in Italy, discussed practical approaches to reducing carbon footprint. He described the implementation of innovative solutions at all production stages, adaptation to European ecological standards, use of objective progress indicators, and realisation of transparent reporting systems. According to him, these measures facilitate ecological transformation, as well as energy efficiency enhancement and global competitiveness of enterprises.
Maria VASYLIEVA, Metinvest Sichsteel's General Director, emphasised opportunities of international partnership in the area of green initiatives. She discussed potential access to financing through global sustainability programmes and highlighted the importance of innovation, particularly cutting-edge developments such as Danieli technologies used in Metinvest's project in Italy. As per Maria Vasylieva, successful implementation of future ecological projects in Ukraine depends not only on financing and market conditions but also on the availability of qualified specialists capable of implementing advanced technologies in production.
The university rector concluded that forums like this unite education and business. "Not only do we create opportunities for education and development of young specialists, but also facilitate direct integration of knowledge and practice, what is a key to successful industry transformation," said Oleksandr POVAZHNY. Such initiatives for discussion and strategic partnership planning are critical for developing sustainable technologies and innovations in the mining and metallurgical sector.
