The Ukrainian science is doomed to stagnation and slow decline, if the state does not ensure adequate budget funding of this field, support for scientific schools and laboratories.
This was stated by the MP from UKROP, member of the Committee on Science and Education Iryna Konstankevych during the ceremony of state awards Scopus Awards Ukraine on the Day of Science, and prizes of the Cabinet of Ministers for development and implementation of innovative technologies.
“Unfortunately, 1.7% of GDP for public funding of science, which are guaranteed by law, it is not provided today. And if we continue to have such a critical situation, we are doomed to become a marginal country,” said the politician.
According to Iryna Konstankevych, place and role of any country in the world is related to its ability to produce, consume and apply new knowledge and technologies.
Meanwhile in Ukraine there are several obstacles to the development of the potential of university science. In particular, the development of this important area is hindered by total reduction of funding and low salaries of young scientists, who receive 20 times fewer than their European counterparts.
“Almost all young scientists have gone abroad. How may the grain of science grow? But the main problem today is a strategy. We cannot afford to spread our efforts and resources. Science should be a separate fundamental priority in state policy,” said Iryna Konstankevych.
According to the MP, it is necessary to gradually increase state support for science at least to the level established by current law – this is 1.7% of GDP, and ensure further rational distribution of these funds.
Iryna Konstankevych also considers that it necessary to exempt the equipment and consumables for scientific and technological activities from taxes and import duties, simplify creation of business partnerships for scientific organizations, regulate relations in the field of intellectual property.
