Dr. Eng., Prof. I. O. Leushin, Head of Chair; Ph.D., Assistant Prof. A. N. Grachev, Deputy Head of Chair, Chair “Casting and Metallurgical Processes and Alloys”, Nizhny Novgorod Technical University named after R. E. Alekseeva, Russia; igoleu@yandex.ru

The paper presents and analyzes the main problems of casting and metallurgical production facilities in Nizhny Novgorod region. The following works and plants are included in this analysis: Gor'kovsky Automotive Works, Nizhy Novgorod Machine-Building Works, RUMO jsc, RosALit jsc, Krasnoe Sormovo jsc, Avtokomposit jsc, Arzamas Device-Constructing Works, Transpnevmatica jsc, Vyksa Metallurgical Works etc. Organizing, personnel and technical problems are classified and considered in details. Among these problems, insufficient provision of the enterprises with information about scientific-technical innovations, lack of responsibility of the leadership of the enterprises about environmental issues, low usage of production capacities, decline of interest and respect to engineering and technical professions, necessity of reconstruction and modernization of most regional enterprises, increased power- and material consumption are discussed. Situation at production facilities is estimated, the principal causes of difficulties are revealed and possible ways of solving these problems and overcoming crisis appearances are suggested. E.g., the most active participation of the chair of casting and metallurgy at Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University in regional innovation projects is recommended.