Russia to spend $14bn on science developmentMay 16, 2013 - 16:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is to spend some 440 billion rubles (around $14 billion) on federal programs to develop Russia’s scientific and technological complex in 2014-2020, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev told a government meeting Thursday, May 16, according to RIA Novosti. Most of that funding - 335 billion rubles - will be provided from the federal budget, he added. The cash should help Russia create a competitive base for pursuit of applied research projects and development of priority scientific fields, he said. The program should also stimulate an inflow of young specialists into various research areas, Medvedev said. Medvedev has championed a move toward reorientation of the Russian economy toward high-tech products ever since he was President (2008-2012). He has been a major proponent of the Skolkovo project, a high-tech hub including research institutes and a supporting foundation in the Moscow Region. Russia has also set up a scientific project support fund known as the Future Research Fund, touted as an analog to the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), to assist promising scientific projects with military potential. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |