Lukashenko: science is alive only when its achievements are used in production and life
No development and progress are possible without science in our modern times – as stated by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, at today’s ceremony of awarding doctor of science diplomas and professor certificates to scientific and scientific-pedagogical workers
The Head of State recalled what he had already said more than once, “Science lives only when production and life use its achievements and developments.”
As noted by the President, scientists once complained that their inventions did not go into production. Aleksandr Lukashenko then proposed to follow such a scheme: the final decision on the feasibility of a development is made by the Academy of Sciences’ Head, and it is only the President who can disagree with this decision. Since then, this approach has proved its efficiency.
The Belarusian leader also drew attention to the fact that it is necessary to study the market – both domestic and potential export-oriented, “We would like, perhaps, to produce spaceships better than the European Union, the United States, Russia and China currently do. We would like them to be better and more qualitative. Actually, we cannot do this, and we even do not need. We have other schools, and we can do a lot of other things – but we definitely need to know which path to develop along.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed, “We will ruin science if its inventions fail to meet demand. The formula and algorithm have been elaborated, so make a decision – and we will work.”
In this regard, Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Parkhomchik mentioned a meeting held in Mogilev and devoted to the creation of freight transport. It was decided then to build two car-building plants: in Osipovichi and Mogilev. “We have a school now, and it develops all wagons. We fully meet the demand of our domestic market, also selling these products to others. Moreover, we have developed a line of wagons. Previously, there was not such a segment in the country, but the problem has been solved by now. Our enterprises successfully operate at present, meeting the domestic needs and exporting their products. We have no disagreements [with scientists], we do our best to consider any problem and find a solution,” he noted.
The Chairman of the Presidium of Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences, Vladimir Gusakov, added, “As for doctors and professors, a doctoral dissertation and the title of professor cannot be approved now until all developments are put into production, until a certificate of efficiency, payback, and so on is provided. This is the fundamental requirement at present.”
The President agreed with that approach, “That's right. Why do we need professors, doctors and even candidates just for the sake that we have many of them? There may not be many of them, but they should work and invent, develop science where it is needed. You – all those who have delivered speeches today – can see that I know the issue. This is because we need it. Therefore I made a decision for myself a long time ago: the title of scientist should not be devaluated, and I have a reverent attitude towards this point.”
