Vladimir Goncharov

Vladimir Goncharov: Safe and effective development is key priority in the Arctic

Modern technology is increasingly important in the 21st century. It also plays a significant role in the development of the Arctic. In an interview, Vladimir Goncharov, Deputy Executive Director, the Integrated Security Systems Department, RTI, addressed the use of new technology and promising technological solutions.

Mr Goncharov, what does your company do?

RTI is a major Russian industrial holding company, a developer and manufacturer of high-tech products and infrastructure solutions using its own microelectronic technology.

There are several areas of activity. First, Defense Solutions, the elite of the global defense industry, we are one of Russia's largest private companies. Another area is Microelectronics. Today, RTI has the most advanced microelectronic manufacturing capability in Russia.

Our department is called Integrated Security Systems. We develop threat monitoring and control and situation management systems for strategic installations, large organizations and agencies. We develop software, including decision-making, real-time predictive analysis systems, and complex engineering hardware and IT infrastructure.

What, in your opinion, are the main Arctic development issues today?

The Arctic is a vast but sparsely populated territory with extreme living conditions. So any project there is a complex and expensive undertaking that requires a concentration of financial, material and human resources. You need the right economic conditions to make this work profitable and justifiable. So, economic issues take center stage, as they do in any business: strategic planning and the search for niches that will ensure a payoff.

Second, while developing the Arctic in an economically effective way, it's essential to ensure state security: After all, our longest maritime border is in the Arctic. Finally, this development should not damage the environment or hurt the interests of the indigenous people.

The diversity and complexity of these tasks necessitates the coordination of efforts of all participants, the creation of an integrated information space and the development and introduction of effective information and communications technology on the regional level and at the State Commission for Arctic Development level.

You mentioned technology. What technology is lacking in the Arctic and what technology can your company offer?

We develop situation monitoring systems and offer advanced radar, communication, integration, data protection, storage and processing and decision-making support systems.

The specifics of transport infrastructure and communication, for example, shipping, in the Arctic, set special demands on information regarding ice conditions and navigation support.

Unmanned aerial vehicles for the Arctic are a separate area. Here, too, we can offer some interesting solutions.

I'd particularly like to note that the effective development of the Arctic is not only a regulatory, organizational and financial matter but also, and possibly even to a greater degree, a matter of technological support: the development of advanced technology for the mining, processing and transportation of hydrocarbon resources, and construction under Arctic conditions (Yamal SPG, the port of Sabetta, etc.), transport, agriculture, including the use of bio-resources, healthcare and administration.

Has your company been involved in preparing the cartographic profile of the Arctic?

No, Roskartografia and other related companies do this but we're into geo-information systems. These are software and hardware solutions in which we create and use spatial (geographical) data and the optimal data location on the ground.

What are software and hardware solutions in this case?

These are solutions that make it possible to use geo-information systems in devices, for example, computers or collective-use centers, for situation monitoring, analysis and control.