Scientific and Innovative Potential

The research institutions of Vitebsk Oblast focus on applied research in new types of building materials, energy and resource-saving technologies, reduction of imports in the production sector, enhancement of the competitive ability of textile products, the footwear industry, improvement of manufacturing processes and agricultural processing, modernization of the country’s biggest petrochemical complex, and environmental safety.

The bulk of fundamental and applied research is carried out by establishments of higher education.

 Polotsk State University does research in a number of scientific areas: construction, public utilities, chemistry and petrochemistry, mechanical engineering, IT, etc.

Vitebsk State Technological University focuses on light industry and mechanical engineering, and develops new equipment and materials, new technological processes.

Masherov Vitebsk State University runs a research program to enhance manufacturing efficiency in various sectors of economy, to ensure rational management of natural resources, improve the quality of the environment, promote progress in spiritual development of the society and successful development of education and culture.

Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical Universitydevelops new methods for the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of diseases, and also new medications.

Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine works on the improvement of breeds of cattle, reduction of costs in feed production, and prevention of diseases caused by immune deficiency.

 The NASB Institute of Technical Acoustics is the regional leader in terms of the development of materials and technologies and their processing with concentrated energy flows (ultrasound, laser radiation, high-frequency electromagnetic fields, ionic-plasma streams, high-temperature synthesis). The institute has developed solutions in ceramic and composite materials, information technologies for engineering and other industries.

The NASB Vitebsk State Agricultural Experimental Station works to enhance the quality of forage, carries out primary seed growing and breeding of zoned and promising grain varieties, legumes, potatoes, flax, and perennial grasses, and helps them reach commercial use.

The Vitebsk regional social and economic research center “Research Institute of Economy at the Economy Ministry of the Republic of Belarus” is engaged in analysis, forecasting and strategic planning, provides consulting support to the regional economy.

 Research Organizations

The goal of research and development in Vitebsk Oblast is to address new practical challenges. There are six commercial and three non-profit organizations that are engaged in research and development in Vitebsk Oblast.

The Research Institute of Economy at the Economy Ministry of the Republic of Belarus is involved in research and analysis in the field of region studies.

The NASB Institute of Technical Acoustics is the regional leader in the development of materials and processing technologies (ultrasound, laser radiation, high-frequency electromagnetic fields, ionic-plasma streams, high-temperature synthesis). The organization has developed solutions in the area of new ceramic and composite materials, information technologies for mechanical engineering and other industrial sectors. Technologies designed by the organization have been assimilated by the research and development center Medin, Vityaz, VZEP, Rudensk, Vitebsk Motor Repairing Plant, and VIZAS. Major R&D organizations also include:

- TheInstitute of Flax.The main areas of research include the selection of new varieties of linen flax and oilseed flax, primary flax seed breeding; the development of environmentally-safe, resource-saving technologies for flax cultivation and harvesting; the development of new farming methods to enhance yield and quality of flax products, reduce flax production costs; the improvement of flax straw retting methods, the specification of physical and mechanical parameters of flax fiber quality.

Resan Research Enterprise

Designs and produces integrated testing systems for clinical research, conducts research in immunology and human genome, a promising area of medicine.

Display Design Office

Conducts research in electronics: designs and manufactures displays based on LCD panels for aviation MFDs, designs and manufactures panel and portable computers and other products. Over 60 types of its products are featured on the list of mass-produced promising basic computer equipment designed as part of the integrated target programs Integration-SVT-215 and Military Microelectronics.

Besides, a considerable contribution to the research and innovation potential of Vitebsk Oblast is made by numerous organizations of different size and form of ownership operating their own design and/or engineering offices.

These include Orsha-based Belama Plus Research and Production Enterprise (design and production of agricultural machinery and accessories), Vitebsk-based Binar Research and Production Enterprise (design and production of industrial automation equipment), Vitebsk Electric Measuring Devices Plant (design and upgrade of on-board devices for automobiles and tractors, electric measuring panel-mounted alternating current devices, special equipment), Novopolotsk-based LLK-NAFTAN (production and application of new oil refining technologies), Vitebsk-basedMonolit Plant of Electronic Components (patent development of new product samples, electronic components), the Vitebsk NASB Regional Institute of Agriculture (seed breeding, adaptive, resource saving, eco-friendly farming technologies), the NASB Dvina Experimental Forestry Center (based in Glubokoye District) (comprehensive research in forest restoration and plantation on a selective and genetic basis).

Thus, the areas of research in Vitebsk Oblast are diverse. The goal is to develop theoretical knowledge and skills and promote the application of their findings in manufacturing and services industries of Vitebsk Oblast and Belarus in general.