Belarus’ Academy of Sciences to focus on cluster-based research

About 30 clusters will be created as part of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus to take care of various fields of scientific research, BelTA learned from Vladimir Gusakov, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, on 24 June.

The official said that plans had been made to set up a number of R&D clusters that will focus on space research, aerial vehicles, pharmaceutics, agribusiness products, mechanical engineering, cell technologies and other areas. “A total of about 30 clusters will be created. We have already compiled the list. We are going to take care of their organization and will arrange presentations,” said Vladimir Gusakov.

The head of Belarus’ Academy of Sciences made it clear that cluster-based approach has a multitude of advantages. “For instance, we see a certain insulation of fundamental research, applied research and development, and the assimilation of their results. A cluster would combine all the three components in order to make an end product as the final result,” explained the official.

According to Vladimir Gusakov, some of the clusters the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus is going to create will have their own manufacturing facilities. “The relevant work is in progress. We have already established clusters in several fields, for instance, a cluster focused on cell technologies. Work on other clusters is about to begin. In a month we are going to create an information technology cluster. A national center for sociological monitoring will be created as well,” he explained.