Skolkovo Foundation representative: Belarus’ light industry keen on Russian innovative solutions

The doors of Russia’s largest technopark are always open to Belarusian partners – as stated by Alexander Okunev, the Skolkovo Foundation Deputy Vice President for Regional Development and Interaction with the CIS, adding that joint work is not only ongoing, but also has a good history

“From the first days, Belarusian companies have been integrating into the technopark activities quite actively, while there is also a reverse movement, with Russian scientists and manufacturers entering the market of the fraternal country with their proposals. The State Committee for Science and Technology is our main partner in Belarus. In addition, we are closely liaising with the Minsk City Technopark, and we have established good ties with the regions,” shared Alexander Okunev. “Last week, Bellegprom’s Chairperson Tatiana Lugina visited Skolkovo to see the latest innovative solutions in a variety of areas: 3D modelling in clothing manufacture, energy efficiency at enterprises, and environmentally friendly production capabilities. We intend to launch close co-operation.”

Moreover, the Skolkovo Foundation helps many Belarusian companies enter the Russian market with their products.

“When there are established ties, support from local authorities, and contacts with the scientific community, the process goes much faster,” notes Alexander Okunev. “Belarusian startups traditionally take part in our Startup Village conference, which annually attracts at least 10,000 participants. This is an opportunity to find investors or partners not only from Russia, but also from other countries.”

Speaking about scientific interaction, the Skolkovo Foundation is working with the Republican Centre for Technology Transfer at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Belarus as part of the CIS 2030 innovative co-operation programme.

“In general, our companies often turn to Belarusian scientists to solve specific narrow problems: to finalise something, to implement in practice, and to analyse. In particular, the Belarusian State Technological University knows how to find non-standard approaches. The NAS experience in implementing developments in practice is also valuable to us: Belarusian colleagues are impressive with their efficiency,” the specialist summed up.