Events
Lukashenko wants Academy of Sciences to accomplish tasks fast, without red-tape
MINSK, 21 November (BelTA) – The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus will have to accomplish a number of tasks without taking it slowly and without excessive red-tape. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement during the government conference held on 21 November to discuss the development of the scientific sphere and the operation of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “The tasks should be accomplished without taking slowly and without the excessive red-tape that Belarus’ Academy of Sciences is famous for.”
According to the president, the first and most important task is fast transfer of technologies into the real sector. It may be necessary to detach an independent structure out of the Academy’s existing staff or set up an office under the Academy that will focus on facilitating the assimilation of the most promising R&D products at specific enterprises. This body will have to create a regularly updated catalog of innovations that private businesses and government agencies should be able to access.
The second task the president drew attention to is the organization of industry-specific days of scientific innovations for the sake of improving recognition. “You should regularly organize (let’s say, once a quarter) industry-specific days of scientific innovations for representatives of the manufacturing sector, agribusiness, civil engineering, and the services sector,” Aleksandr Lukashenko encouraged.
This information is in short supply and could come in handy. For instance, the president was surprised when he visited a leading Belarusian agricultural enterprise – the collective farm Rassvet named after Orlovsky and asked the head of the enterprise what crop varieties the enterprise uses. It turned out that the executive was not aware of many Belarusian crop varieties, was not familiar with the director of the Potato Farming Institute, and used imported crop varieties.
The third task formulated by the president focused on R&D funding. “For many years we’ve heard idle talk about so-called venture capital financing, which is allegedly not developed at all in our country. I’ll explain it simply: we are talking about the state budget directly spending money on an R&D project (a startup), which may or may not be successful,” Aleksandr Lukashenko clarified.
“Since we are gathered now and are elevating the role of the Academy of Sciences, I am ready to consider the proposal on consolidating all the venture capital resources under the roof of the Academy of Sciences. Consider whether we need it or not and, as we’ve agreed with Aleksandr Genrikhovich [Turchin, Prime Minister], submit proposals to the government, the prime minister will make a report,” the president said. “As from tomorrow it is the responsibility of Vladimir Stepanovich [Karanik, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences]. He is a statesman. And in a year or two we will see whether something has changed in this sphere if you make this decision.” The head of state cautioned against corruption and nepotism: “I understand the right to risk perfectly well but you will pay the highest price for blatant thievery.”
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