Opinions & Interviews

Participants of the breakout session, which Mikhail Myasnikovich attended, discussed the role and place of humanitarian knowledge in education, the main directions of the cultural policy in Belarus, the effectiveness of planning and conducting fundamental and applied research in the field of law, the state and prospects of the university's historical science and other issues. As Mikhail Myasnikovich noted during the press conference, the Belarusian science became more applied and oriented to the real sector of the economy. “We need to focus on the technologies and processes that are currently in demand or may be in demand by our industry, the construction complex and other knowledge-intensive spheres of production,” he said.

Important changes have taken place in the structural organization of scientific institutions. Modern scientific and practical centers have been set up to introduce scientific achievements into production. “This became possible largely due to the fact that absolutely new approaches were introduced both organizationally and financially. The matter pertains to the program-target method of planning and financing the research,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said. In his opinion, Belarus has the potential to implement more national projects in the innovation field. “Such projects help us develop both traditional and new industries, not only individual enterprises and industries,” he said. In this regard, the development of the IT industry, the chemical industry, and the pharmaceutical industry looks quite promising for Belarus.

The Union State also demonstrates a large reserve of innovative development. “In our parliamentary activity, we constantly draw the attention of the integration structures to the fact that we need to look into the future. For this we can combine the intellectual, manufacturing and raw material potential and set up powerful companies, develop activities jointly with Russia or within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union,” said Mikhail Myasnikovich. Yet, this potential remains to be hugely untapped. One of the reasons is bureaucratic barriers. Some scientists have to give up on promising projects and programs as they may lose their relevance while all the necessary documents are coordinated.

The chairman of the Council of the Republic paid special attention to the development of biotechnology as one of the most promising scientific areas. “This is the direction that penetrates into all the spheres of human activity. I believe that the proposals made for the development of the biotechnology sector will be supported. They will make up a big part of our national economy with high value added and well-paid jobs,” said Mikhail Myasnikovich.

The enhancement of the prestige of scientists in the society is among the issues discussed at the congress. “It is necessary not only to motivate scientists for applied research, but also to significantly increase the role of designers, technologists, engineers and technicians in the manufacturing. This should be done to encourage new advancements, develop new innovative products and modernize existing ones and create new production facilities. This is envisaged in Belarus’ draft science and technology development strategy through 2040,” he said.