Alexander Shumilin: Integration of education, science and industry sectors is key to innovative economy development

The integration of education, science and industry is the most important condition for the development of an innovative economy. This was announced by the Chairman of the State Committee on Science and Technology of the Republic of Belarus Mr. Alexander Shumilin during a visit to the Science and Technology Park of BNTU "Polytechnic". According to him, the technopark is deeply integrated into a practice-oriented training of highly qualified engineers within the framework of the “University 3.0” concept implemented at BNTU.

“The experience of Polytechnic in R&D, innovations, and commercialization of intellectual activity results should be widely used by other entities of innovative infrastructure. This is a promising area and global trend, therefore, it is necessary to more actively involve students and young people engaged in scientific activities in the innovation process and entrepreneurship, in order to address problematic issues of both a separate industry sector and the country as a whole,” noted Mr. Alexander Shumilin. As an example, he cited the rapid organization of production of medical supplies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, when residents of the Polytechnic technology park developed and produced using 3D printing, oxygen fittings for ventilators, systems for supplying and moistening oxygen for seriously ill patients with pneumonia, as well as protective screens for medical staff.

Currently, more than 40 students, undergraduates and graduate students work in the technopark. Over two years, more than 300 students have successfully completed practice at the Polytechnic. First of all, it provides a significant experience in exploring new technologies and high-tech equipment. It should be noted that the Startup Center BNTU “From Idea to Implementation” operates on the basis of the technology park as well. In 2019, 19 project teams became its participants, and the winners received grants totaling 18 thousand roubles. In addition, FABLAB Rapid Prototyping Laboratory operating for students, undergraduates and graduates provides 20 pieces of equipment for manufacturing prototypes and experimental pieces.

Within the framework of the State Program for Innovative Development of the Republic of Belarus for 2016-2020, the Science and Technology Park BNTU “Polytechnic” carries out five innovative projects to create new industries that are crucial for the innovative development of the country, including the large innovative project “Creating and organizing innovative-production center for medical supplies”. The project is implemented in cooperation with the leading medical institutions of the country – RSPC" Cardiology ", RSPC for traumatology and orthopedics, and Belarusian Medical Academy of Post-Graduate Education. As part of the project, a unique innovative production structure is being created, which allows for the production of more than 25 types of new medical devices in the field of cardiac surgery, traumatology and orthopedics, dentistry, certified in accordance with the requirements of ISO 13485 and ISO / IEC 17025. Products resulted from this project are of import-substituting and export-oriented nature. They do not have locally produced substitutes, neither have they in the EAEU countries. These medical supplies correspond to the best world technical standards and can improve the availability and quality of high-tech heart operations due to unique technical properties and solutions, as well as a significant reduction in cost.

Based on the SCST materials.