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MINSK, 25 January (BelTA) – Belarus’ output of knowledge-intensive products has increased more than two times over the past five years, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) Vladimir Gusakov said at a press conference to mark the Day of Belarusian Science on 25 January, BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Gusakov emphasized that the main indicator of the effectiveness of science is its contribution to the economy. “Some 7,500 contracts with different clients to design knowledge-intensive products have been fulfilled in Belarus over the past five years. More than 1,700 international projects, agreements and grants have been implemented. Besides, we have developed over a thousand innovative projects for different sectors of the Belarusian economy. Each ruble from the budget generated 48 rubles from the sale of knowledge-intensive products,” Vladimir Gusakov noted.

He pointed out that the NASB set up 33 innovative ventures in 2013-2016. “We plan to open new high-tech enterprises in the Year of Science. I should note that it was a timely decision to declare 2017 a Year of Science. It will help boost the image of the Belarusian science and create favorable conditions for enhancing its productivity. It will enable Belarus to make considerable headway towards innovation and higher knowledge content,” Vladimir Gusakov emphasized.

The Day of Belarusian Science is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of January with scientific conferences, exhibitions, and open doors days at research and development organizations, colleges and universities. Awards are often presented to professors, scientists and researchers who make considerable contribution to the development of science, technology and innovations.