Smart and innovative potential of mining engineers as a factor of effective development of the coal industry in the period of «Perestroika»

Analysis of the level of knowledge on the problem allowed us to define the purpose of the article, that is to identify main trends and features of formation and implementation of smart and innovative potential of mining engineers, which determined the efficiency of the coal industry during the period of “perestroika”. Documents of federal archives, regulatory documents of authorities and statistics were the sources of the study. Methodological basis of the research is the theory of modernization, which is based on the following research methods: comparative-historical and problem-chronological. Comparative-historical method proved that in the last years of the USSR mining engineers, despite certain losses, managed to maintain a high level of intelligence which is able to operate in market conditions. Comprehensive analysis of the problem under study revealed the drawbacks in the training system of mining engineers in the USSR (narrow specialization, lack of knowledge in the field of economics, psychology, etc.). Problem-chronological method showed that soviet mining engineers found it difficult to realize their intellectual abilities in the field of coal mining due to the growth of socio-political and economic instability. The authors believe that the main result of achievements of mining engineers in the years of “perestroika” was a stable growth of coal production in the country up to 1988. The most important task at that time was to increase the level of compliance of the coal industry with requirements of scientific and technological progress. This goal was achieved in two main directions: increase of funding and creating new forms of research and production activities. The authors argue that further development of smart and innovative potential of mining engineers in the field of coal mining and processing was hindered by many system, industry and personal problems. Centrally-controlled economy did not allow to realize this potential to the full extent. This fact limited creative abilities of innovative engineers to five-year plan indicators. Although these indicators no longer met the requirements of the world technological pattern. The article proves that smart and innovative potential of mining engineers needed a serious adjustment not only in the use of advanced technologies, but also in developing skills for independent generation of ideas and increasing their own competitiveness. The authors concluded that in 1985-1991 the potential of mining engineers focused on the search of new forms and methods to improve efficiency and competitiveness of mines and sections, which contributed to transition toward market relations.

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