Digital department as a new format of specialists training

The article considers the project “Digital Departments” as an innovative tool of additional professional education in the field of digital technologies. The article analyses the goals and objectives of digital chairs, their role in training highly qualified specialists with IT-competences for various branches of economy. Special attention is paid to the organisational aspects of training, the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, as well as the prospects for the development of the project in the context of digital transformation of Russian education and economy. The article highlights the importance of digital departments for increasing the competitiveness of graduates and meeting the needs of the labour market in digital personnel.