Vol 89, No 4 (2019)
- Year: 2019
- Articles: 29
- URL: https://journals.eco-vector.com/0869-5873/issue/view/753
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.31857/S0869-5873894
General Meeting of the RAS Members
Science & technology issues associated with natural gas production transmission and processing
Abstract
National priorities for science and technology development in Russia include the transition to green and resource-conscious energy, improving the efficiency of production, and deep conversion raw hydrocarbon materials. Plans to encourage these developments will encourage a harmonious and sustainable research and development sector for the energy industry, and will also encourage that Russian companies participating in the global natural gas market maintain a competitive edge. Gazprom, as the largest transnational energy corporation, will need to cooperate closely with the Russian Academy of Sciences. In 2002, the Gazprom Management Committee and the Presidium of RAS adopted the Basic and Applied Research Program for RAS institutes, which guided research teams of the Academy in completing a package of work focused on the most important development problems in the country’s natural gas production. The R&D Program for Gazprom was updated in 2017 and is focused on the development of energy and industrial infrastructure in Russia. This R&D program forms a pillar that supports emerging technologies and the development and adaptation of innovative products and services for use in natural gas production, transmission, and processing facilities.
Distributed generation based on cutting-edge technology and digital systems
Abstract
In rankings of technologically advanced Asian, North American, and European countries for their achievements in electrochemical technology, Russia usually finds itself in the ROW (Rest-of-the-World) category. However, our country is exceptionally well-positioned to take a leadership role in this field. Russia’s InEnergy Group, with its core business of developing electrochemical technology and providing unique electrochemical solutions to individual businesses, has created a favorable environment for drawing science, manufacturing, and the global market together. To that end, the Group has established a Distributed Research and Development Center, which has assembled world-class experts in fuel cells and multi-purpose power-supply systems. In addition, the Group has considered the Electrochemistry project as part of a Comprehensive Research Program, called Distributed Generation based on Cutting-Edge Technologies and Digital Systems, which is presently in the drafting stage. The project is designed around the concept of network-centric design and is expected to outpace rather than merely replace imports. In other words, the project will support the development and deployment of electrochemical technologies to compensate for imports that might be needed even in the future. This industrial effort, coordinated with research in the academic community, will create new technological opportunities that might propel Russia into a leading position in the global market for chemical sources of electric power.
Development of gas-turbine technologies in Russia
Abstract
Gas plays the central role in the fuel and energy balance among Russia, USA and Europe. Efficient energy use is encouraged with gas-turbine technologies, which have reached a high level of development. Russia has a great deal of gas-turbine engineering experience and scientific and industrial potential in this area, but has no national program to encourage the development of such technology. To ensure energy security and the scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation, to address the energy problems of the 21st century, we propose the formation of a national program for the development of gas turbines. This program would fall under the scientific and methodological guidance of the Department of Energy, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics and Management Processes of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The actual scientific and technical problems of nuclear energy
Abstract
Present-day problems and possible prospects of domestic nuclear power energy are discussed. The nuclear industry is concluded to can act as a powerful driver of scientific and technological progress, as a mechanism that stimulates the development of a wide range of industrial and technological segments of the country's economy. Based on the report at the General meeting of the RAS on November 13, 2018.
Supercomputing technologies in the digital world: theory, practice, education
Abstract
Supercomputing technologies are used in almost all fields of science today, and determine the competitiveness of science and industry among national entities. USA, Europe, China, and Japan are investing billions in the development of supercomputing technologies, promoting national programs for the development of this field, and these programs will determine the success of future developments. The underestimation of the value of supercomputing technologies has led Russia to fall behind in global trends, and squanders the enormous potential of Russian specialists in computer science. Russia needs a comprehensive supercomputer program, and cannot delay its enactment.
Theory and practice in artificial intelligence
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence is an interdisciplinary field, and formed about 60 years ago as an interaction between mathematical methods, computer science, psychology, and linguistics. Artificial Intelligence is an experimental science and today features a number of internally designed theoretical methods: knowledge representation, modeling of reasoning and behavior, textual analysis, and data mining. Within the framework of Artificial Intelligence, novel scientific domains have arisen: non-monotonic logic, description logic, heuristic programming, expert systems, and knowledge-based software engineering. Increasing interest in Artificial Intelligence in recent years is related to the development of promising new technologies based on specific methods like knowledge discovery (or machine learning), natural language processing, autonomous unmanned intelligent systems, and hybrid human-machine intelligence.
Social and humanitarian measurement of responses to grand challenges
Abstract
The article is concerned with the selection of priorities in research fields, including social and humanitarian studies, based on social needs and the so-called grand challenges. These priorities are not founded in the traditional logic of the development of basic science which can have its own dynamics that are not always associated with real needs or effective demand. Such an approach conforms to the new conceptual logic presented in the Strategy of the Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation. To solve the problem of choosing priorities, sociological polling of two types-general public and expert was used.
Root causes and ways of the settlement of ethno-political conflicts
Abstract
The presentation analyzes three belts of ethno-political conflict that directly affect the national interests of Russia. The link between ethno-political processes and globalization is highlighted, uncovering a number of challenges. Seven characteristic features of the contemporary world order are identified and their influence on the state of ethno-political conflicts and the prospects for their settlement are discussed.
Deep changes in external environment affecting Russia’s national security
Abstract
The article is focused on international economic, political, and military factors and how they affect Russian national security. The analysis deals with the present and emerging ambivalence in global trends like growing economic interdependence and escalating interstate competitiveness. The key issue lies in how these trends are expressed in relations among traditional and emerging powers that are taking on new roles in the global order. Special attention is paid to processes related to the disintegration of the arms-control system and the related deterioration of the global and regional military-political situation, particularly in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The main risks to the national security of Russia associated with these changes are identified.
Economic dimensions of the climate change challenge for sustainable development in Russia
Abstract
The issues involved in choosing an effective response to the challenge of climate change are considered. The paradigm of a low-carbon economy is analyzed critically using the criterion of stabilizing global warming so that it does not exceed 2°С warming by the end of the 21st century. The criteria of improving citizens’ quality of life and providing for sustainable economic growth are also important. Efficient actions that minimize the risks to socioeconomic development posed by climate change will require the implementation of an integrated set of institutional, economic, and technological measures. High-priority actions include: fostering economic growth by increasing the effectiveness of production using the best-available technologies for resource processing and management; reducing the hazardous impact of industrial emissions on the environment and human health; adaptation and protection of communities and ecosystems against industrial waste and climate change; and alleviation of the accumulated negative effects resulting from climate change. These priorities will help in mitigating the present and future hazardous impacts of technology on the environment.
Russia’s identity: grand challenges
Abstract
The author formulates major components of Russian national identity that form the basis for a civic nation-building project. These are the study and preservation of historic and cultural legacies including archival and archeological heritage, historic and cultural monuments, memorial sites, historic sites, and landscapes. In addition to active projects, the author suggests novel projects: the construction of a big-data corpus for Russian and other languages spoken in the country, academic dictionaries and encyclopedias, complete works of classic Russian literature, and a multi-volume history of Russia. Social-science expertise is needed for infrastructure and development projects and the construction of mass residential buildings and transport facilities to ensure the preservation of common milieus and values that make up a national identity.