The Moscow Times recently reported that a senior Kremlin adviser stated Russia’s shipbuilding industry remains reliant on foreign software and struggles to attract young IT professionals, who “tend to prefer” positions offering higher salaries and a “more comfortable” work environment.
Nikolai Patrushev, assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin and chairman of the Russian Maritime Board, stated at a conference held at Saint Petersburg State University of Marine Technology that the digital transformation of Russia’s shipbuilding industry is progressing slowly and faces a series of “systemic problems”, with dependence on foreign software remaining a “major issue”.
Nikolai Patrushev noted that Russia’s shipbuilding industry currently faces a severe shortage of IT professionals. The sector is perceived as physically demanding with relatively low wages, while young IT specialists “prefer working in commercial companies or startups”.
On the corporate side, Nikolai Patrushev noted that employers commonly report a lack of practical skills among recent graduates. Only about 10-15% of engineering students gain production internship opportunities, leaving most new hires unable to immediately operate modern equipment and software to perform their duties.
Reports indicate that as early as August 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin had pointed out that fully replacing imported products was neither possible nor necessary. However, he emphasized that Russia must achieve “technological sovereignty” in key areas of ship equipment, processes, and technologies.
Previously, the Yaroslavl Shipbuilding Plant had been unable to pay employee wages for several weeks due to frozen defense funds and sanctions, leading to production stagnation and partial shutdowns. The shipyard is one of Russia’s major shipbuilders, specializing in the construction of both military and civilian vessels.