Vladimir Sitnikov, Rector of Stavropol State Agrarian University, presented the interim results of work on the formation of a new model of higher education. Proposals to update the personnel system were announced at a meeting of the Council led by Valery Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

During the preparation of proposals, the working group analyzed the directions of agro-industrial complex development in the short and long term, studied foreign approaches to agricultural education, and also worked out issues with business representatives. The group included representatives of universities participating in the pilot project, including Tyumen State University, Far Eastern Federal University and Tomsk State University, the expert community of specialized FUMO and industry universities, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia, agricultural holdings, small and medium-sized businesses and industry unions.

As Vladimir Sitnikov noted, a common understanding has been formed on key issues at the current stage. The projected solutions are based on the connection of education with economics and the future professional activity of the graduate. The determining factors in the consolidation of specialties are considered to be the field of employment, types of economic activity, job positions, as well as requirements for the competencies and qualifications of a specialist.

The working group paid special attention to international models of agricultural education. The analysis showed that despite the differences in national approaches, they share common grounds: food security, sustainable rural development, and management of living systems in the interests of humans.

Taking into account the implementation of national projects and the new technological stage of the industry's development, the working group considers it necessary to consider the inclusion of new specialties in the enlarged group, including crop breeding and genetics, breeding and genetics of farm animals, as well as bioeconomics.

As part of the execution of the instructions of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, an analysis of the curricula of 44 universities subordinate to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation and 5 universities of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation in key specialties was carried out. The results showed that about 50 percent of the disciplines coincide. This creates the basis for combining a number of specialties and optimizing the educational structure.

Based on the results of the work carried out, an approach has been formed in which some of the specialties can be preserved unchanged, some can be expanded, and new directions can be introduced taking into account the technological transformation of the industry. In addition, the integration of several specialties in the field of food production technologies into one is proposed.

One of the key issues remains the formation of the core of educational programs. According to the working group, its volume may amount to 30-40 credits. The core is proposed to include fundamental knowledge about living systems, digital skills, technological knowledge and skills, scientific and innovative thinking, as well as organizational and managerial competencies. At the same time, fundamental training should ensure the student's early immersion in the industry and create the basis for an informed choice of a further educational trajectory.

«We see the logic of forming an enlarged group of specialties through the connection between the needs of the economy, the demands of employers, international experience and the tasks of technological leadership. It is fundamentally important that the changes are not limited to a formal revision of the structure, but ensure a real update of the content of education,» emphasized Vladimir Sitnikov, Rector of SSAU.

Stavropol State Agrarian University will continue to work on the formation of a new model of education in cooperation with the professional and expert community.