Dr. Veda Duman Kantarcıoğlu is a Nuclear Engineer with extensive experience in nuclear technologies, radiation safety, CBRN risk management, emergency preparedness, and strategic technology development. She holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and an MBA from Hacettepe University and has worked across academia, public institutions, and the defense sector. Her research and professional interests include advanced nuclear energy systems, small modular and microreactors, nuclear-industrial ecosystems, technology policy, and workforce development. She currently serves as Director of Competency Development at the Defence Industry Academy under the Presidency of Defence Industries of Türkiye, where she leads initiatives focused on human capital development and strategic capability building for the defense industry ecosystem.
Developing National Competencies for Nuclear-Industrial Partnerships for Mining Applications
Developing National Competencies for Nuclear-Industrial Partnerships
The global nuclear sector is experiencing a period of renewed momentum, driven by energy security concerns, decarbonization goals, and the rapid emergence of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs). While advanced reactor technologies are attracting significant investment worldwide, the long-term success of nuclear programs depends not only on technology deployment but also on the development of a robust national competency ecosystem.
This presentation examines how countries can build the human capital, institutional capacity, and industrial capabilities required to support sustainable nuclear-industrial partnerships. Using Türkiye’s evolving nuclear landscape as a case study, the presentation highlights the complementary roles of regulatory authorities, universities, industry, professional organizations, and training institutions in creating a coordinated talent and capability development framework.
Particular attention will be given to the contributions of key stakeholders, including the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK), universities such as Hacettepe University and Istanbul Technical University, industry organizations, chambers of industry, and civil society initiatives focused on workforce and technology development. The discussion will also explore the growing importance of specialized education, vocational pathways, certification programs, and industry-academia collaboration in supporting national nuclear ambitions.
The presentation will assess the competency implications of major nuclear developments, including the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project and the increasing global deployment of SMRs and MMRs. These technologies are creating demand for new skills that extend beyond traditional nuclear engineering, encompassing digitalization, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, systems integration, artificial intelligence, and project management.
Beyond electricity generation, advanced nuclear technologies are opening new opportunities in defense applications, emergency and disaster management, critical infrastructure resilience, remote and off-grid operations, mining activities, and industrial heat production. These emerging use cases require multidisciplinary competencies and stronger collaboration across sectors that have not traditionally been part of the nuclear ecosystem.
The presentation will also provide an overview of recent international developments in the SMR/MMR landscape, including demonstration projects, government initiatives, and efforts to accelerate deployment through innovative public-private partnerships. Finally, it will address a key strategic question: how can nations transform technical and industrial capabilities into a sustainable workforce development model that supports innovation, competitiveness, and long-term nuclear growth?
By focusing on people, partnerships, and competencies alongside technology, the presentation aims to offer practical insights into building resilient nuclear-industrial ecosystems capable of supporting the next generation of nuclear energy development.
