Значение испытательных и экспериментальных центров в научно-техническом развитии (на примере транспортной отрасли)

Abstract

The article aims to study the role of testing centers in the scientific and technological development of railways. The object of the study is the Experimental Railway Loop of the Railway Research Institute (JSC VNIIZhT). In 2022 the Institute celebrates the 90th anniversary of continuous testing of the latest models of railway equipment. To analyze the activities of the Experimental Railway Loop, the Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) methodology was used, which in the article is adapted to analyze the activities of scientific and experimental organizations. Interpretations of product and process technologies are presented, from their perspective the testing activities of the Experimental Ring are considered. The stages of the Experimental Railway Loop’s development were studied: auxiliary test site; interlaboratory railway testing ground; industry polytechnic testing ground; international testing and exhibition center; catalyst for scientific and technological progress on the railways. Based on the results of the analysis, directions for improving the activities of the Experimental Railway Loop in the interests of the development of Russian railway transport were formulated. The study of the activities of the Experimental Railway Loop leads to the conclusion about the critical role of the railway test sites in the scientific and technological development of the country and makes it necessary to improve the activities of such sites.