Over Br4.6 billion was mastered in the first quarter for the implementation of innovative projects in the Vitebsk region

May 14, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Over Br4.6 billion has been mastered in the Vitebsk region for the implementation of state program of innovative development projects in the first quarter of the current year. This was announced today at a meeting of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee by the First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Vladimir Novatsky, BELTA correspondent reports.

This year, the program provides for the implementation of 36 projects, for the development of which it is planned to allocate more than Br34 billion. In addition to the national one, a regional program "Innovative Development of the Vitebsk Region" has been developed and is being implemented in the region. This year, six projects will be developed, including in the fields of veterinary medicine and biotechnology, and mechanical engineering. More than Br450 million is envisaged for their financing. As a result of the implementation of state program projects during 2007-2008, 21 facilities were commissioned, and 85 permanent and 100 temporary jobs were created and modernized.

The volume of innovative products produced amounted to Br22.1 billion. Thanks to the regional innovation program, 11 innovation projects have been created and mastered, and products worth more than Br20 billion have been produced. The share of new products in the total volume of products of the region in 2008 was 21.3%.

At the same time, the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets noted that among the state program projects, the construction of a waste processing plant in Novopolotsk is proceeding at a slow pace. Of the 19 projects for the creation of new production facilities at existing enterprises, 7 are not being implemented. According to manufacturers, the level of preparation of innovative projects is low. "The Vitebsk region has not received innovative development," stated the chairman of the regional executive committee.

Innovative approaches are lacking in the processing industries, light industry, and in the use of natural resources. The Chairman of the regional executive committee demanded a review of the regional innovation development program and the introduction of responsibility for developers of innovative projects for the use of state funds. An innovation council will be established in the regional executive committee, which will begin to coordinate the work of industrial enterprises, universities, and vocational schools on the development of new competitive industries and types of products. Alexander Kosinets also drew the attention of enterprise managers to the need to strengthen the human resources potential of design bureaus.