Dmitry Medvedev: "We need a strong country, a strong state, and a strong economy. But a strong economy can only be built on achievements in science and technology, fundamental and applied research, and, of course, on the efforts of the talented and creative people who do this work."
Ceremony for presenting Government awards in science and technology
Excerpts from Dmitry Medvedev’s remarks at the ceremony:
Clearly, the work of researchers in many ways determines the future of our country and ensures that it remains technologically advanced. Perhaps more than ever before we can appreciate that now, given the situation our country faces. We need a strong country, a strong state, and a strong economy. But a strong economy can only be built on achievements in science and technology, fundamental and applied research, and, of course, on the efforts of the talented and creative people who do this work.
This year, 41 Government awards will go to 381 recipients from the fields of medicine, energy, mining and mineral production, agriculture, manufacturing, biotechnology, innovative materials, and national security – virtually all fields of scientific and technical research. Much of this work is protected by Russian or foreign patents, and fairly large contracts have been signed for several such award-winning projects.
Despite our current difficulties, budget constraints and certain restrictions imposed on our country by a number of states, the Government will continue to do its best to support research and increase spending on research, including under the current state programme. We will introduce grants and expand the number of foundations supporting research and technology. Of course, it’s important for us to make sure that our researchers can be successful in their own country. In recent years, we have improved certain things in this area. I won’t say that we have created a research and technology paradise, but many researchers have returned to Russia to work.
It is also important to encourage demand for domestic products so that they can be put into mass production. For this, too, we need an innovation support system. We have outlined the general contours of this system in recent years, and we’ll work on it further, because having the money is not enough; it has to produce results.
Despite restrictions imposed in a number of
areas, we are not fencing ourselves off the world; we will continue to take
part in joint international programmes, including those conducted by leading
foreign research centres. We are not taking offence or sticking our tongue out
at anyone, as they say. We will
participate in major projects in Europe and Asia, anywhere we are welcome. What
matters most is that we are treated equally and with respect.
