Infrastructure development is impossible without the participation of large businesses that can implement innovations at the federal level and in their regions of presence. Such participation provides a strong impetus for small and medium-sized businesses that follow leaders and offer their own products and services. Among the laureates are DOM.RF, the Moscow Government, Gals-Development Group, S.Holding, ANO DPO "Orbita" (jointly with the Alupka city administration), TechnoKRT company, ANO "Energiya Razvitiya" (part of the Rosatom state corporation's management circuit), "Solntse Moskvy," "Mosgortrans," VESNA, and "DBO" Communication Agency.
Trend 1. Digital instead of concrete
Construction and city management are moving into the "digital" realm. Technologies have become a tool for dialogue between authorities and residents. Seven projects by the Moscow Government immediately received awards for their digital services.
Alexander Pishchelko, head of GKU "Novye Tekhnologii Upravleniya," who presented the implemented digital projects of the Moscow Government, said that the victory underscores the effectiveness of the chosen digitalization direction: "Seven projects by the Moscow Government became winners of the Infraros Award. And this is the best confirmation that digital services are becoming an effective tool for dialogue between the city and residents, and we are moving in the right direction."
"Innovations only make sense if they change lives for the better. Digitalization of construction, smart security systems, and services for tenants – all this improves the quality of life and makes people happier," notes Andrey Chernukha, Head of "Personnel and Organizational Development" at Gals-Development Group.
Mikhail Viktorov, President of NOTIM, head of the commission for digitalization of the construction industry and housing and communal services of the Public Council under the Russian Ministry of Construction, noted that "infrastructure development is one of the key priorities and basic conditions for Russia's sustainable growth as a whole. That is why we must engage in a substantive dialogue about what tools and ways to achieve the fastest possible result: quality roads, modern engineering networks, wide access to the Internet, active construction. All this is inextricably linked with our main topic – software, which today permeates every industry and largely sets the pace for construction. The task is not just to close current issues, but to find new startups, fresh developments, and breakthrough ideas."
Trend 2. Integrated approach instead of isolated solutions
The market is moving away from isolated projects towards creating entire ecosystems.
"The construction industry is the locomotive of the Russian economy, it is very gratifying to see and participate in such events, as this platform primarily provides an opportunity for collaboration among diverse participants in the process. Infrastructure is primarily a comprehensive approach, not isolated solutions. A comprehensive approach is a pool of narrowly focused specialists and the readiness of the state apparatus to implement innovative solutions," says Anastasia Shepel, Executive Director of S.Holding. According to her, the construction industry remains the main driver of the Russian economy, but now it works at the intersection with IT and urbanism.
Trend 3. Balance of history and technology
Equally important was the preservation of the cultural features of Russian cities. Experts highlighted projects where special attention is paid to the harmonious combination of preserving the cultural heritage of Russian cities with the development of a modern, high-tech, and comfortable urban environment.
Deputy Governor of Tomsk Oblast Nikolay Slepnev spoke about the implementation of the municipal project "House for a Ruble": "The 'House for a Ruble' project has proven its effectiveness. Dozens of buildings have been fully restored, and 71 objects have been leased to private investors. The restoration of historical buildings is also in the spotlight at the federal level. The Government of the Russian Federation has approved the program 'Preservation of Cultural Heritage Objects of the Peoples of the Russian Federation' for the period until 2045. This year, the President of Russia will hold a meeting of the State Council, where the results of the work carried out and further measures for the preservation of historical and cultural heritage will be considered."
"For us, this award confirms the significance of our mission: to preserve the cultural heritage of Crimea through modern approaches. Thanks to Infraros, such practices gain publicity and set standards for all of Russia," emphasized Daria Lomakina, Head of Alupka City Development.
At the beginning of the award ceremony, Maxim Kuznetsov, founder of the "Infraros" Award and the accompanying urban development forum "Infragorod," summarized the overall results: "Modern infrastructure for life is an ecosystem on which the economic stability of regions and the quality of life of people depend. Large businesses create new quality standards that small and medium-sized businesses rely on. The projects and solutions recognized by the Award ensure the development of almost all industries that create a comfortable living environment. Figuratively speaking, they become the foundation, walls, and roof for many industries. This includes urban improvement, social and sports infrastructure, the hospitality industry, and the digitalization of services for people and businesses. These are all the industries whose development leads to the comprehensive development of territories."