Temir Sariyev: "The situation in the field of science, in general, requires urgent measures for its revival."
The head of the Cabinet noted that the successes and prospects of Kyrgyz science directly depend on its ability to ensure innovative growth in the country, as well as its integration with production and vocational education. To make this a reality, Sariev explained, a global scientific reform is necessary.
– The achievements of science must be competitive, and the results of research must be in demand. Among the main problems hindering the development of science in the country, scientists cite the very low share of GDP allocated for these purposes. In developed countries, the share of GDP for science is significant: Israel – 4.8 percent, Japan, Sweden – over three percent. On average, worldwide spending on science is 1.74 percent of GDP. However, in many countries, scientific research is also funded by private companies, – noted the Prime Minister.
Temir Sariev reported that the stagnation in Kyrgyz science needs to be eliminated as soon as possible. To do this, it is necessary to fundamentally change the relationship between the state and scientific organizations.
– Scientists must have a specific task and work towards the results that the state needs. The system of state orders in science needs to be revived. Secondly, it is necessary to finance primarily only those areas that are priorities for the socio-economic development of the country at this stage. This will allow concentrating financial and organizational resources on solving research that is vital for the country. Thirdly, the development of public-private partnerships. This is what will allow for a breakthrough in the field of science. But domestic business will support innovations if they bring benefits to this business, – expressed Sariev's opinion.
The Kyrgyz Prime Minister also added that the selection and justification of priorities in Kyrgyz science should be handled by the Science and Innovation Council. This will help eliminate both departmental and corporate lobbying, as well as bias and subjective approaches.
– It is necessary to clearly define what the priorities should be. Scientists in Kyrgyzstan propose to identify priorities in areas such as energy, information technology, rational natural resource management, agriculture, and quality of life. The government intends to concentrate existing scientific, financial, and other resources specifically in these areas, – concluded Temir Sariev.
