The conference was opened by Mr. Shumilin, who emphasized the need for clear research and development targets for the next five-year term. He believes that these should focus on cutting-edge spheres, including nano-technologies and new materials, with practical application. Conference participants discussed ongoing programmes, expressing the need to extend some and cut back on others.
Nine priority R&D avenues were approved by the Belarusian President for 2011-2015, to include: power engineering and energy saving; agro-industrial technologies and productions; industrial and construction technologies and productions; medicine, medical tools and technologies, and pharmaceuticals; chemical technologies, nanotechnologies, and bio-technologies; information, communication and aerospace technologies; new materials; rational nature management, resource saving, and protection from emergencies; and, finally, defence and national security.
The State Science and Technology Committee is now busy developing a new list of priority R&D avenues. “The new avenues comply with requirements of the continuity of the innovation cycle from fundamental and applied research through development to commercial products and the practical application of R&D efforts. The new priority R&D avenues will continue the advancement secured in the current five-year term,” stressed the Chairman of the State Science and Technology Committee.
