Nowadays, the relevance of technology transfer center network has been greatly increased due to interdisciplinary modern innovations, and cross-sectoral collaboration in project implementation. This paper highlights theoretical and conceptual foundations of technology transfer, and the role of innovation and knowledge. The main purpose of the paper is to analyze the experience of creating technology transfer networks in Russia, and to develop prospective national technology transfer model based on the concept of innovation ecosystem and open innovation. Being a knowledge integrator, a university plays a vital role in technology transfer. The presented study makes contribution to the academic literature by providing a synthesis on related concepts of open innovation, network, and ecosystem approaches to technology transfer. The results of this analysis provide information on prospective models for creating a network of technology transfer in Russia. That will help academics, policymakers, government, and business owners with a more depth understanding of the practical mechanisms that support innovation strategy.

Business enterprises are required to adopt new economic models and business strategies in line with global trends such as the green agenda, the shortening of innovation cycles, digitalization (networking platforms) and socio-economic security. The models of network integrations (clusters, industrial symbioses, innovation ecosystems, etc.) are developing faster than other business models. Networking allows businesses to synergetically, based on the principles of collaboration, trust and self-organization, increase intellectual, innovative, social, and environmental values, which leads to economic growth and sustainable development. Through networking integration, the business performance of all participants in multi-company projects can be improved, regardless of their size and activities. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodological framework for assessing the synergistic effect and the level of collaborative maturity of participants in network industrial integration. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of network business integration efficiency. The authors’ methodology is based on the AHP hierarchy method, expert evaluation and Harrington’s level of desirability. The methodology is validated on Russian industrial integrations: industrial cluster of Nizhny Novgorod region; pipeline valve manufacturing cluster; South Ural industrial cluster producing spare parts and assembly units for roadbuilding, construction and agricultural vehicles. The results show that the level of collaborative maturity of business partners and the synergies from network integration effect the sustainability of business development. Recommendations for businesses are provided to improve their network integration and collaborative maturity. Furthermore, the findings allow the authors to define directions for further research, considering the interests of the business community, regional authorities, and financial institutions, and provide a framework for researchers to investigate the link between industrial network integration and economic growth.

The relevance of this study is driven by the need to develop new mechanisms and tools aimed at improving the technological, resource, and economic efficiencies of industrial businesses while minimizing their negative environmental impacts and enhancing their environmental performances. Although such approaches as the theory of constraints, the concept of sustainable development, and principles of Best Available Techniques have garnered attention individually, their combined, interdisciplinary application to the streamlining of business processes in industry has not yet been fully explored. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the advisability of managing business processes based on the principles of resource efficiency enhancement by preventing irrational resource consumption, production losses, pollution and waste in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals. This article analyzes the current state of research business process optimization for a greener future. The proposed methodological approach is based on ranking business processes according to their levels of resource efficiency. Business process engineering and an evaluation of its outcomes in terms of resource efficiency were conducted using a case study of a building materials manufacturer in Northwest Russia. Various business management scenarios were developed to improve resource efficiency through process engineering initiatives. The findings of this study can inform the development of strategic approaches for building materials manufacturers as they transition toward sustainable development.

Having thoroughly analyzed the design features of VVER-type pressurized water reactors and VVR-type research reactors, the authors propose a design of a research reactor with low-enriched fuel based on deeply updated VVER-440 fuel assemblies. The research reactor is intended to solve a wide range of applied problems in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, materials science, biology, and medicine. The calculated thermal hydraulics confirms the correctness of the fundamental approaches laid down in the reactor design. An equivalent reactor core model in the form of a thick-walled cylinder was considered, and the radial power density distribution was obtained. According to the heat power level, five groups of FAs were identified. For each group, the coolant mass flow rate was calculated, which ensures alignment with the outlet coolant temperature. The coolant flow regime was also estimated. It turned out that for the first row of FAs, the flow regime is in the transition region, while for the other rows the flow regime is laminar. A test by the Gr.Pr≥1.10⁵ criterion showed its conformity (the calculated value was 1.96.10⁶), indicating the transition to a viscous-gravitational regime. The FE surface overheating was calculated relative to the mixed coolant average temperature. The axial coolant flow temperature distribution is the same in all the FAs, the change in power is compensated by the corresponding change in the coolant flow. The maximum coolant overheating on the FE wall relative to the flow core is observed in the central FAs, reaching 31 °C, the boiling margin is about 15 °C. The estimates showed a significant dynamic pressure margin during natural thermal-convective circulation. By calculation, the values of the FE surface overheating during the reactor normal operation were obtained. An approximately 15-degree surface overheating margin relative to the saturation curve is shown, which guarantees the absence of cavitation wear of the FE claddings. In general, the performed calculations confirmed the correctness of the approaches laid down in the reactor design and made it possible to specify the core thermal hydraulics necessary for further developing the concept.