Inovations
A closer interaction between science, studies and business is among the priorities in the Lithuanian Long-Term Strategy. The implementation of this target is expected to accelerate the development of a knowledge society and to strengthen long-term economic competitiveness of the Lithuania’s economy.
The analysis identified the most promising areas of research in Lithuania, followed by the approval of twelve national integrated programmes. As a result, separate research institutes have been grouped into larger, intellectually more capable science centres. The new centres – science, studies and knowledge economy clusters of international level – are housed by the valleys, where science will be able to interact directly with high-technology-generating business.
Currently, Lithuania is developing five integrated science, studies and business valleys, which are as follows:
- “Santara“ and “Saulėtekis“ in Vilnius;
- “Santaka“ and “Nemunas“ in Kaunas;
- “Jūrinis“(Marine) in Klaipėda.
Vilnius “Santara“ valley aims to develop biotechnology, innovative medical technologies, molecular medicine and biopharmaceuticals, ecosystems and sustainable development, IT and communications technologies. The valley will house a Joint Centre for Life Sciences, a Joint Centre for Innovative t Medicine, a Joint Nature Research Centre, and created an Information Technology Open Access Centre bringing together geographically remote computer resources.
Vilnius “Saulėtekis“ valley will focus on the development of lasers and technologies of the light, material science and nanotechnology, semiconductor physics and electronics and civil engineering. The valley will house an International Access Laser Complex Naglis. Investments will be made for the development of Vilnius University Laser Research Centre, laboratory equipment and a modern laser complex.
Kaunas “Santaka“ valley will focus on the development of sustainable chemistry, mechatronics, and related electronic technologies, the future of energy, information and telecommunications technology. The valley will house a National Open Access Research and Development Centre. A Centre for the Latest Health Technologies and Pharmaceuticals created by Kaunas Medical University will be located in the same valley.
Kaunas “Nemunas“ valley aims to strengthen the infrastructer for agricultural and forestry research, technological development and studies, to form the required potential to address the issues of quality and safety of the raw materials of animal origin, and to contribute to a more advanced development of food science and technologies in Lithuania. The total budget: LTL 119 million.
Klaipėda “Jūrinis“ (Marine) valley aims at the development of modern research facilities for the needs of Lithuania's maritime research, studies and technological development, as well as for the implementation of the European Union's maritime policy objectives, and finally, for marine research needs of different public institutions. The project for the establishment of the “Jūrinis” (Marine) cluster is entrusted to Klaipėda University. The university campus will house new laboratories; investments will be made to new modern equipment and classrooms, other study facilities, and for the acquisition of a modern research vessel.
