Innovation development policy

       In April 2023, a preliminary version of the Strategy for the Development of the Innovation Ecosystem in Ukraine, prepared by Civitta and the working group of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, was published. The document contains a good analysis of the current situation, but, unfortunately, few policies - specific proposals for interventions with clear tools and mechanics of implementation, assessment of the necessary resources, with expected results and impact. The development of CERP (Centre for Economic Research and Policy) in their document of December 2022 is much more substantive - the part on the Transformation of Ukrainian scientific research and development (although the focus of the policy analysis is somewhat narrower).

       In any policy for the development of science, innovation and technology, it is important not to forget the key point - this policy must support the agents of innovation - specific scientists, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, scientific start-ups, product development managers, buyers - all those specific people and businesses , involved in the innovation process. Policy is not needed to preserve institutions, "increase funding," "support startups" or "hubs," or other grandiose phrases. Innovation development policy should not focus exclusively on certain industries, be it military technology, or biotechnology, or cyber security. The state has the right and can determine priorities - either with separate programs or with a higher number of points in the assessment. The key is open access to support for innovation agents, wherever they are based (geographically or by type of organization or research area) and whatever stage they are at.

       You can find out more at the link.