1. This year, the State Enterprise “NIDI” marks its 100th anniversary. What has changed following the transformation from SE “DerzhdorNDI” to SE “NIDI”?
The transformation from SE “DerzhdorNDI” to the State Enterprise “National Institute for Infrastructure Development” (SE “NIDI”) is far more than a rebranding. It represents a fundamental expansion of the state’s mandate in scientific and technical policy—from a focus on roads to infrastructure as a whole. In essence, the Institute has evolved from a sector-specific research center into a national institution responsible for setting quality standards, driving technological advancement, and ensuring the economic soundness of infrastructure solutions.
Today, our core mission is to create the conditions for the adoption of innovative materials, technologies, and engineering solutions that will enable the development of durable, energy-efficient, and resilient infrastructure for decades to come. To support this, we are focused on developing building codes and national standards aligned with global best practices, as well as harmonizing them with European regulations.
Another key strategic priority is our role in shaping a modern construction pricing system. Transparent and economically sound approaches to cost estimation are essential for the efficient use of public funds, maintaining the trust of international partners, and ensuring high-quality project delivery.
Equally important is the development of human capital. Our training center prepares engineers across both the road sector and the broader construction industry, equipping them with the skills and expertise required to meet modern regulatory standards and international best practices.
2. Can we say that Ukrainian design standards are already being aligned with European ones, and how is this reflected in practice?
Yes, Ukrainian design standards are already being systematically aligned with European ones.
The State Enterprise “NIDI” is carrying out consistent work to harmonize national regulations with European requirements—adapting calculation methodologies, safety approaches, and principles of sustainable development.
In practice, this means designing with consideration of the full life cycle of an asset, applying higher safety and resilience requirements, introducing modern materials and technologies, and digitalizing processes.
Over the past three years, 13 construction codes (state and sectoral), 117 national standards (DSTU), and 20 regulatory and technological documents have been developed, all closely aligned with European approaches.
3. What are the three main challenges for infrastructure design under wartime conditions?
Wartime has created fundamentally new challenges for infrastructure design. I would highlight three key ones.
Security considerations and risk uncertainty. Modern projects must account for potential damage, increased loads, the need for redundancy of critical elements, and rapid recoverability of assets. Resilience is becoming a baseline requirement rather than an optional feature.
Speed while maintaining quality. The state requires rapid reconstruction; however, speed must not come at the expense of safety and durability standards. Striking a balance between urgency and long-term strategic planning is one of the most difficult challenges.
Resource and economic constraints. Instability in the materials market and limited financial resources require well-justified design decisions, modern pricing approaches, and efficient use of funds.
The role of the State Enterprise “NIDI” is to establish a scientific and regulatory foundation that ensures every design decision embodies resilience, economic efficiency, and innovation.
4. What approaches should be applied when planning post-war reconstruction?
Post-war reconstruction is not merely about restoring what has been destroyed—it is an opportunity to rethink the country’s infrastructure development model. Key approaches include:
The “build back better” principle. Rebuild to a higher standard than before—ensuring improved quality, safety, and durability, and applying modern materials and resilience standards.
Life-cycle-based planning. It is essential to evaluate not only construction costs, but also long-term operation and maintenance costs over decades. This forms the basis for economically sound decisions and reduces future budgetary pressure.
Integration of European standards and practices. Post-war reconstruction should align Ukrainian infrastructure with EU requirements in safety, environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and technical regulation.
Human capital development. Large-scale reconstruction cannot be effective without well-trained engineers, designers, and technical supervision specialists. Investment in people is just as important as investment in physical infrastructure.
Transparency and economic justification. A modern, transparent, and accountable pricing system is essential for building trust among society and international partners. The State Enterprise “NIDI” embeds these principles at the level of regulatory frameworks, technical standards, and design methodologies.
In cooperation with the Restoration Agency, we are shaping a model in which reconstruction is not a series of isolated actions, but a systemic transformation of the country’s infrastructure.
5. What infrastructure solutions should be planned today with a 30–50 year horizon, rather than only for rapid recovery?
Even under wartime conditions, certain decisions must be made with a 30–50 year perspective—not as temporary solutions, but as the foundation for future development.
Enhanced durability and reliability standards: the use of modern materials and technologies that ensure a longer asset life cycle.
Climate and operational resilience: infrastructure must be able to withstand climate change, increased loads, and high-intensity transport flows.
Integration into the European transport network, with infrastructure parameters designed from the outset in accordance with EU standards.
The State Enterprise “NIDI,” in cooperation with the Restoration Agency, ensures that reconstruction becomes not a short-term response, but a long-term foundation for Ukraine’s infrastructure development.