Czech

 

Technology Development and Cooperation in the Czech Republic

by

Luboš Vávra
Business Development Agency Ministry of Economy, Prague

The Czech Republic is a country in transition. In the past each economic sector had its own state-run research institute, and there was a large Academy of Sciences with research institutes, universities and a strict government research plan. This system, however, was not very effective or efficient. Since transformation and privatization began in 1990 the economy has changed significantly. Research institutes no longer exist except in large factories, companies and the Academy of Sciences, but they are on a small scale. Some research institutes were transformed into science and technology parks, while others simply closed down.

What is the research and development (R & D) situation after six years of political and economic change?

There is no firm national R & D policy, since the Government does not have full responsibility for this part of the economy. There are, however, some clear government obligations set out in three main laws on the Academy of Sciences, Czech universities and state support for R & D. Ministries, the Academy of Sciences and the Government Council are involved in making state R & D policy.

The Ministry of Finance uses money from the state budget to subsidize research and technology development. The main actors are as follows:

  • the Ministry of Higher Education, which provides money for universities;
  • the Ministry of Economy, which provides special programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as Technos, Transfer and Park;
  • the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which covers strategic research;
  • the Ministry of Health, which covers medical research;
  • the Academy of Sciences, which covers fundamental research;
  • the Grant Agency, which supports applied research in SMEs and by individuals.

With the exception of funds for the Academy of Sciences and universities, financial support is provided on the basis of applications received. These are evaluated and decided on by a board of experts.

Important activities are also carried out by the following non-governmental organizations:

  • the Association of Innovative Undertakings, which has thousands of members C both individuals and associations;
  • the Business Development Agency, which is a body for implementing the European Union's Phare SME programme;
  • the Chamber of Commerce, which organizes meetings among entrepreneurs and provides information;
  • the Federation of Industry and Transport, which represents thousands of companies.

The Fair and Exhibition in Brno and Prague are also of considerable importance.

With regard to technology partnership, the following bodies could play a positive role in building such ventures and could be used as partners:

  •  the Association of Innovative Undertakings, which is currently establishing its information system that will store and offer new inventions and new technology;
  • the National Information Centre, which is a government organization providing a wide range of information and has the capacity to disseminate it throughout the country;
  • the Academy of Sciences, particularly its Business Innovation Centre, which deals with the research results of the Academy's institutes;
  • the Business Development Agency, which cooperates with SME organizations in the Czech Republic and can extend its activities and disseminate information to the regions through regional advisory and information centres.