Education and Science, Innovations, Investments, Lithuania, Technology, USA

Photo: lrv.lt

On Monday, Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius attended meetings focusing on the cooperation of Lithuanian and American scientists in research and innovations.

On the first leg of his visit to the US, the Prime Minister met with Dr. Jeffrey Alexander, Associate Director for Research and Analytics in SRI International's Centre for Science, Technology, and Economic Development, who briefed the Prime Minister on Institute\'s cooperation with Lithuanian scientists in innovation ecosystem development. The Lithuanian Innovation Development Programme for 2014-2020 was also discussed.

“The programme aims at increased competitiveness of the Lithuanian economy through an effective innovation system and innovative economy. It is the innovations that serve as a true engine of the economy in the twenty-first century. It is also the force helping address global challenges of health, climate change, renewable energy, food and water supply for the growing needs of the planet. We have an investment promotion and industry development programme for 2014-2020. We will support investments in innovative manufacturing and service development by small and medium-sized enterprises. We have plans to help those investors who interact with science and invest in research and development, as well as innovations,” said the Prime Minister.

The representatives of the Stanford Research Institute, in their turn, promised their support to Lithuania with the analysis of possibilities as regards innovations in economy.

On Monday, the Lithuanian Government leader met with the of NASA\'s Associate Administrator, Robert M. Lightfoot, to discuss collaboration opportunities between the scientists of Lithuania and United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as well as the first Lithuanian satellites. “Lithuania has taken its first steps in space. I am sure that this will serve as an impetus for many talented young people and scientists in Lithuania in the coming years,” said the Prime Minister.

The Lithuanian Science, Innovation and Technology Agency (MITA) and NASA signed a bilateral cooperation agreement for an international internship programme.

The Prime Minister pointed out the mutual benefit as regards this programme: students from Lithuania will have an opportunity to work in NASA\'s research centre, see NASA facilities and resources, and cooperate with scientists and engineers from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, while NASA will have a possibility to acquire ownership of the inventions by Lithuanian students involved in this programme.