President Lukashenko Called Researchers to Develop Market-Efficient Innovations

Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko called researchers to develop market-efficient innovations. This statement was made during plenary discussion at the Seminar of top executives on issues of import substitution. The event took place on December 16.

President observed that developments of Belarusian scientists should be in demand not only in Belarus but become called-for abroad as well. He also singled out the importance of research contribution into implementation of projects on import substitution. The initiatives on import substitution cannot be launched without proper research background, especially in such sectors as, for example, medicine. Today Belarus imports tremendous quantities of medications with total expenditure of about half a billion USD per year. There are aching points on import substitution in other spheres as well. For instance, the country pays a considerable sum of money for importing cellulose.

“Things that we have to produce ourselves are imported at a large expense”, – stated Alexander Lukashenko. “Without researchers we would not be able to do anything. Does the Academy of Sciences and researchers do everything that needs to be done? Certainly not” – claimed President.

The mentioned issues became the major topic for discussion that took place during the recent meeting of President with representatives of research community. Alexander Lukashenko said: “Some got upset because of what President said. But they shouldn’t be upset with me because I do not press anything for my own self, I do it for the whole country’s benefit”.

Head of the state demanded increase in efficiency performance rates of research projects. “It is high time that scientists got down to action. It is not enough to achieve positions of academics and professors or obtain doctoral or PhD degrees. You have made a mess with your degrees and positions and care only about your scientific bonuses. For how long should we raise your pays?” – said President. According to Alexander Lukashenko the bonuses will appear only on paychecks of those scientists who will bear positive research results. “Give us the results and we will pay you for the performed work”, – underlined President. Head of the state added that rigid requirements imposed on chairman of the Academy of Sciences, his deputy and all the research community in general will be further intensified.

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