Expert: A common innovation space is needed in the Eurasian Economic Union

It is necessary to create a common innovation space in the Eurasian Economic Union. The statement was made by Professor Irina Novikova, Doctor of Economics, Head of the Economic Theory Chair of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Belarus, during an online briefing held on 31 December to discuss economic forecasts for 2015, BelTA has learned.

“We talk a lot about the common economic space and it is right. It is one of the stages that any integration association has to pass through. But it is necessary to think about the creation of a common innovation space that has to be brought about through the establishment of new mechanisms and institutions instead of the merger of all the innovation structures of different countries. All the union member states should have access to these new institutions,” noted Irina Novikova.

In her words, there are world-level innovation organizations in Belarus. “They need good funding and can produce good breakthroughs,” stated the specialist.

Irina Novikova underlined that in 2015 the Belarusian economy will depend not only on the Eurasian Economic Union but also on how modernization will be carried out inside the country and on the performance of Belarusian enterprises.