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Science’s
Honorable Role
The Minsk Times
February 16, 2006
Last year, science took on a heightened
role in the private sector. Belarus marveled at the creation of the
High-Tech Park and the preparations for launching a satellite. Next year,
the development of nuclear energy is on the agenda.
Piotr Vityaz, first
deputy chair of the NAS presidium, believes that, last year, science came to
the fore in Belarusian industry. Deputy Minister of Industry, Gennady
Svidersky, also extols the role of science in raising production volumes and
export potential. He says that, in 2005, many scientific production centers
were established at the country’s largest enterprises to help them become
more competitive abroad. “On average, last year, industrial enterprises
extended their new product ranges by 20 percent. Some electronics
enterprises saw even higher figures: Horizont — 90 percent and Integral — 40
percent,” he stresses.
Igor Voitov, deputy
chair of the State Committee for Science and Technology, explains that, last
year, innovative development received Br1.95 trillion from funds and more
than fifty percent of this was spent on supporting high technology
enterprises. This year, he says, Br1.34 trillion has been set aside.
Mr. Vityaz adds
that, over the last three years, Belarusian scientists have made a number of
scientific discoveries of world significance. The Institute of Physics — for
the first time in world history — has achieved continuous laser generation
(using combination diffusion in crystal scattering mediums). This has
extended the use of lasers by accessing a wider band of the spectrum.
The Belarusian
satellite, BelKA, is one of the grandest projects; its launch is planned for
the first half of 2006. At present, it is undergoing testing in Russia.
Belarus is ready for the launch; receiver stations and antenna are already
installed.
High Tech Park is
another ambitious project. Plans are underway and should be complete within
a month. Construction work can then be organized. Applications for residency
are already in hand and Mr. Voitov tells us that more than 140 enterprises
(40 of them large companies) are keen. Proposals are now being submitted to
the state committee for consideration. “Soon, the Park will be operational,”
he assures us.
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