On the comparative analysis of approaches to the definition and classification of pilot testing infrastructure at the state level

Aim. To compare the current research approaches to the functioning and development of pilot testing infrastructure in the contour of innovation and technological activity in Russia and abroad.

Objectives. To identify the role and functions of experimental-industrial testing in the system of research, development and technological works (R&D) of the country; to identify and compare international approaches to the classification of the infrastructure of experimental-industrial testing; to analyze the current domestic legislative and regulatory framework regulating the activities in the field of experimental-industrial testing.

Methods. The research applied general scientific methods (system approach, decomposition, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction), private methods (structural-logical and subjectobject), methods of graphical structuring and data interpretation.

Results. The authors described the evolution of approaches to the definition of the term “pilot testing” on the example of studies of domestic and foreign scientists, substantiated the need to distinguish the terms “pilot testing” and “pilot infrastructure”, highlighted and schematically characterized their relationship. The comparison of international and domestic scientific and regulatory approaches has revealed diversity both in the terminology used and their interpretation, and in the types of classification of this type of activity. The article presents three most common approaches to the definition and classification of the material and technical base of pilot tests.

Conclusions. Pilot testing is an important stage in the process of implementation and scaling of technological innovations, which allows successful technology transfer from laboratory to industrial environment. Despite the positive experience of the Soviet Union in the aspect of design, construction and operation of pilot plants, the modern innovation and technology policy of the country does not prioritize the development of this area, and the activity has low dynamics of development. Insufficient attention to the improvement of measures and tools to support the development of pilot testing infrastructure may become a constraint for solving the state tasks of import substitution and import substitution. Despite the unambiguous general conclusion of all studies about the exceptional importance of the stage of pilot testing for the process of implementation and scaling of technological innovations in general, in many countries of the world there are limitations for the full development of this area of activity. This determines the relevance of continuing research work, including in the context of analyzing the barriers, public and private initiatives for the development of pilot industrial infrastructure.

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