Research on the conformity assessment process for equipment supplied to russian NPPS: ensuring nuclear and radiation safety of atomic energy facilities constructed under russian projects

Modern Russian nuclear power plants (NPPs) operate under strict regulatory frameworks: GOST standards, regulatory documents, and internal specifications meticulously define every stage of equipment conformity assessment. However, in practice, this approach often leads to a paradox: formal compliance with requirements does not guarantee actual risk reduction. Procedures become routine, shifting focus to filling out reports rather than preventing accident scenarios. The core issue lies in the disconnect between outdated assessment criteria and the pace of technological advancements. Regulations developed decades ago frequently fail to account for new equipment types or international safety standards. For instance, requirements for digital control systems or composite materials remain vague, creating loopholes for non-compliance. Moreover, the lack of clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) makes it difficult to evaluate whether inspections genuinely enhance safety. The result is "paperwork" where the percentage of deviations in incoming inspection reports becomes the sole metric, failing to reflect real threats. Integrating the SMART methodology into the conformity assessment system can resolve these contradictions. Its principles (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) can transform abstract regulations into actionable management tools. For example, instead of a generic goal like "improve safety," specific KPIs could be set: reducing critical equipment non-conformities by 15% annually or automating 80% of control processes by 2026. Digital platforms aggregating data on deliveries, tests, and incidents would enable real-time monitoring of these goals. The key step is reorienting conformity assessment from bureaucracy to risk management. Case studies where formal compliance failed to prevent accidents demonstrate that NPP safety depends not only on inspections but also on system flexibility. The SMART approach would identify weak points early–for instance, by tracking defect resolution timelines or evaluating contractor competencies. This would turn conformity assessment from a mechanical procedure into a strategic tool, with each step aimed at minimizing threats to people and ecosystems. Thus, merging regulatory frameworks with managerial innovation is not just a nod to modern trends but a necessity for sustainable nuclear energy development. The SMART methodology bridges the gap between rigid standards and real-world challenges, ensuring both safety and public trust in the industry. Objective – the article aims to transform existing conformity assessment procedures by implementing SMART principles (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). This will align regulatory requirements with practical management tasks, enhancing transparency, decision-making speed, and the effectiveness of safety controls for nuclear facilities. Development of an adaptive conformity assessment system for Russian NPPs, integrating GOST standards and the SMART methodology to transition from formal documentation to real-time risk management. This will improve process transparency, reduce non-conformity resolution times, and strengthen nuclear safety through specific, measurable, and time-bound objectives. Implementing the SMART methodology in equipment conformity assessment for Russian NPPs will shift focus from paperwork to risk-based management via concrete KPIs. This will accelerate defect resolution, enhance control transparency, and minimize accident risks through early detection of critical non-conformities. The outcome will be heightened safety at nuclear facilities, reduced operational costs, and increased trust from both the public and the international community.