Prospects for the development of science in Ukraine
Scientific development in Ukraine is extremely important, especially in wartime. Science plays a key role in ensuring the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
In light of all the challenges, the development of science and innovation has become one of the priority tasks for Ukraine. Besides the overall advancement of science, it is crucial to prepare qualified specialists and provide them with maximum and effective support.
The Development of Science in Ukraine During Wartime
In the context of martial law in Ukraine, the development of science, innovation, and technology plays one of the key roles. This development is vital not only for strengthening the country’s defence capabilities and ensuring security but also for the rapid recovery and transformation of the economy. Modern scientific achievements and technological innovations can significantly enhance the effectiveness of defence structures, contribute to the creation of new types of weapons and military equipment, and ensure effective protection of critical infrastructure.
Innovations in the fields of energy, transport, and communications can also greatly aid the recovery of the economy following the cessation of hostilities. Furthermore, the development of science and technology stimulates the creation of new jobs, enhances the country’s competitiveness on the international stage, and promotes Ukraine's integration into the global scientific and technological arena.
Investments in scientific research and development can lead to the creation of new technologies, materials, and methods that can be used in various sectors, including medicine, agriculture, ecology, and information technology. This approach fosters sustainable development and provides the country with the necessary resources to tackle various challenges.
The advancement of science is also extremely important in the medical field, including prosthetics, surgery, trauma care, and rehabilitation. In the context of martial law, when the number of injured individuals and those in need of medical assistance is significantly increasing, innovations in medicine become vital.
In addition to the general advancement of science, it is crucial to prepare qualified specialists and provide them with maximum and effective support. This includes quality education as well as opportunities to gain practical experience. It is important to provide financial support for scientists and ensure their professional development.
Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine
At the beginning of 2024, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MoES) presented an action plan up to 2027.
Priority areas in the field of science
Development of Science and Innovation
To transform science and innovation, the MoES intends to:
- Reform the system of basic state funding
- Focus on applied research and development aimed at solving problems in defence, security, economy, and society
- Reduce bureaucracy and deregulate scientific activities
- Create favourable conditions for attracting non-budgetary funding
- Internationalise scientific activities
- Develop the National Electronic Scientific Information System
- Build a network of research infrastructure
- Create an ecosystem for science-intensive innovations
The ultimate goal is to ensure the effective research of Ukrainian scientists, contributing to the increase of the science intensity of GDP.
European Integration of Ukraine in Education and Science
The main actions of the MoES regarding Ukraine's integration into education and science include:
- Involving Ukraine in European educational and scientific programmes
- Harmonising educational and scientific legislation with EU law
- Strengthening mutual recognition of educational and professional qualifications between Ukraine and the EU
The ultimate goal is to ensure awareness among participants in the educational process and scientists about the advantages and opportunities of Ukraine's integration into the European Union.
Digital Transformation of Education and Science
For the digital transformation of education and science, the MoES plans to:
- Provide students and teachers with computer equipment
- Develop a network of digital educational centres
- Ensure educational institutions have broadband internet access
- Create digital educational and scientific platforms
- Launch educational e-services, including the “Mriya” app
- Improve teacher qualifications
- Develop e-governance in educational institutions
The ultimate goal is to provide participants in the educational process, scientists, and educational managers in Ukraine with the opportunity to use modern technologies in an accessible digital environment.
Funding
One of the main issues in the development of science in Ukraine is the insufficient level of funding. In 2024, funding for science has been increased by 20% compared to 2023, amounting to 0.17% of GDP, which is only one-tenth of the legislatively established benchmark.
The MoES plans to implement a new approach to the distribution of basic funding — performance-based research funding. This will allow for a greater concentration of public funds in the most promising universities and research institutions, promoting both advanced research and the development of competitive technologies and products.
Support for Startups
Among other initiatives, one of the key areas for transforming science is the development of social capital. Behind all processes and innovative products are people, making this task one of the most important for the MoES. It is necessary not only to support experienced scientists but also to engage youth, particularly through the development of a startup system. To this end, an experimental project is being introduced to create a network of startup schools — incubators — accelerators based on higher education institutions (HEIs) and research institutions.
The development of the scientific field in Ukraine requires significant effort. The initiation of transformations and their implementation is an important step towards integrating Ukraine into the global scientific and research space. Science should become synonymous with innovation and technology to attract investment and international partnerships.
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