Ukrainian scientists have to look independently for money for their research due to absence of state support
The state does not provide financial support to scientific developments and innovations and that is why Ukrainian scientists and development engineers have to look independently for money for their research. This was stated by the participants of the press conference “Ukrainian Innovations: Is it possible to start in 2011?” that took place in Kyiv on June 23, 2011, under the support of the European Program of the International Renaissance Foundation.
According to experts, Ukraine cannot keep up with the pace of current development of scientific research and work in cooperation with leading players in the European and international innovative field due to most Ukrainian scientists’ unawareness of possibilities that are provided by international programs for support of scientific research. “So far, Ukrainian scientists are not able to meet the needs of big business or requirements of granters. At the same time, they can make use of European mechanisms for involvement of scientists and development engineers into cooperation with business, in particular, with the International European Innovation Scientific and Technical Program “Eureka” that allows to find partners or offer one’s own share in a project”, noted Petro Smertenko, National Coordinator of “Eureka” Projects in Ukraine.
According to the participants of the press conference, Ukrainian innovations can start to appear in the near future, provided there are two conditions. First, the state has to provide financial support to scientific projects and research. Second, Ukrainian scientists and development engineers have to participate in international and European program that provide opportunities for financing scientific research at the expense of grants.
As Director of Interregional Center for Investments and Development Volodymyr Nikitchenko noted, it is necessary to bring the Ukrainian legislation in line with the European one to have a more effective financing of innovative ideas.
According to experts, due to involvement of international donors the volume of Ukrainian financial programs for support of science can double and reach 1.4 per cent of Ukraine’s GDP.
The International Scientific-Practical Seminar/Workshop “Harmonization and Synchronization of European and Ukrainian Innovative Programs” will be devoted to that how Ukrainian scientists can effectively use opportunities of national and international programs for support of science. The event will take place in Kyiv on June 30, 2011.
Contact information: Eureka Program in Ukraine, +38 067 946 19 14, eureka.workshop.2011@gmail.com
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The Goal of the European Program is to promote Ukraine’s European integration by providing financial and expert support to relevant civil society initiatives.
