MINSK, 16 July (BelTA) – Setting up research and production complexes as well as major centres for researching and manufacturing innovative products should become the optimal way for developing scientific institutions. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he presented degree certificates to elected academicians and corresponding members of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. The existing scientific schools can in no way be destroyed, stressed the head of state. They should be supported and practical applications for them should be found in the country without allowing a brain drain of highly qualified scientists. According to the President, creating and assimilating cutting-edge manufacturing technologies as well as launching most sophisticated scientific projects should be a priority task for the National Academy of Sciences and all scientists. The government will always find funding for implementing such projects but their output should be maximal, he stressed. Alexander Lukashenko called upon scientists to avoid cost-plus methods of the past when the science development level was judged by the volume of funding. The productiveness of scientific research is the key thing today. This is why it is necessary to try to stay ahead of other countries in assimilating novelties, to find the most profitable solutions to existing practical tasks using domestic raw stock, manufacturing capacity and human resources. In the modern world the competitive ability of a country is determined by science and innovations, underlined the head of state. Belarus has chosen the strategy of innovation-driven development. At present no decision is made in Belarus without a proper scientific assessment. Research funding is constantly increased, however, the President remarked, the government has the right to expect the scientific community to deliver. “We cannot waste budget money on so- called scientific research with negative or zero results. We cannot babysit losers and obvious slackers. If science is believed to be the cutting-edge industry, it should set an example of effectiveness for all other branches of the national economy to follow,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

БЕЛТА