“Pravova derzhava”. Issue 35 (2024), pages 57–72.

DOI: 10.33663/0869-2491-2024-35-57-72

Skrypniuk O.V.
The scientific sphere of Ukraine: current state, tasks and prospects for reform

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of reforming science, in particular academic science, from the proclamation of Ukraine’s independence to the present day. The author emphasizes that the country has long lacked a clear and well-founded strategy for the development of science and innovation. The lack of systematic work on reforming the scientific sector and the ineffectiveness and inconsistency of the policies and actions of public authorities have led to a deep crisis in the scientific sphere. The exhausting war has exacerbated the negative trends and state of science in recent years.

The continued total underfunding of scientific and technical work, the existence of an outdated and contradictory base in the field of science have caused an outflow of young scientific personnel abroad, a sevenfold decrease in the number of scientists, a threat to the existence of scientific schools, a loss of prestige of scientists in the state, a decrease in the influence of science on the formation of modern policy of development of the state and society, and our country’s lagging behind in innovative development. The article analyzes legislative innovations and proposals for reforming the scientific sphere and improving its organization, emphasizing their controversial nature, etc.

The lack of consistency in updating the legislation on scientific and research and innovation activities is inconsistent, although the legislator has taken certain steps to modernize it. In particular, the priority areas for the development of science and technology and innovation at the national level were updated. The group of directions «Advanced Science» was aimed at the development of world-class basic scientific research. Another draft law analyzed in this article, despite declaring high goals regarding the principles of management of scientific institutions, raises frank concerns about the future of the organization of the scientific sphere and the development of science, as it proposes the introduction of a standardized administration of scientific institutions and research activities of scientists. Of particular concern are the plans to reform the National Academy and national sectoral academies.

The article pays considerable attention to the organization of academic legal science, the implementation of reforms at the V. M. Koretsky Institute of State and Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and its research, analytical and expert activities in the context of war. The author emphasizes the role and tasks of science in achieving science over the enemy and the post-war revival of Ukraine.

Key words: science, scientists, innovations, organization of science, reform of the scientific sphere, legislation, academy, scientific schools, development strategy, management systems.

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