Marina Nesterenko: Industrial Tourism as a Strategic Tool for Training Personnel for Future Factories
Marina Nesterenko, Chair of the FBA EAC Committee on International Cooperation and Tourism, participated in the Round Table "Development of Industrial Tourism in Russia," held on March 17 at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Nesterenko emphasized the critical role of industrial tours as a key tool for career guidance and enhancing the human resources potential of the national industry.
She stated that industrial tourism has evolved from a mere sightseeing activity to a comprehensive mechanism for introducing young individuals to real production processes. "We must leverage the interest in factories to cultivate a new generation of engineers and workers," she noted. "The sooner students experience modern production, grasp its scale, and recognize its high-tech nature, the more informed their decision to pursue a technical career will be."
In exploring effective career guidance models, Nesterenko referenced the historical experience of the Soviet Union. She highlighted the system of educational and production complexes and higher education institutions, which successfully integrated education and production in Soviet times.
Regarding current trends, the Committee Chair provided an example from the People's Republic of China, where industrial tourism has emerged as a significant driver of both the consumer market and human resources development. Nesterenko observed that in China, excursions to advanced production facilities have transformed into genuine technology exhibitions. Chinese enterprises are not merely opening their doors but are creating comprehensive museums and interactive spaces that engage young people and stimulate interest in modern production. Ministry of Industry and Informationization of the People's Republic of China forecasts indicate that the industrial tourism market in China will experience an annual growth rate of 18% over the next five years, projected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2029.
Nesterenko concluded that the experience of Chinese colleagues is invaluable, as they have successfully transformed industrial facilities into tourist attractions and effective "showcases" of professions. She advocated for the adoption of these best practices and their adaptation to Russian conditions.
The roundtable participants supported Nesterenko's proposals, acknowledging that the integration of Soviet-era vocational guidance traditions with modern formats for engaging young people, as successfully implemented in China, could provide a significant impetus for the advancement of domestic industrial tourism and the resolution of personnel issues within the Russian economy.
Photo source: tpprf.ru