Four million KM allocated from KS Budget for scientific research activities

(Patria) - The Government of Sarajevo Canton has fulfilled its promise this year to increase support for scientific and artistic research, as it is committed to a systematic approach to building a knowledge-based society, i.e., long-term improvement of the quality of life in Sarajevo Canton and beyond. This year's Sarajevo Canton Budget has allocated 4,000,000 KM for scientific research activities and the development of scientific activities.

Compared to the previous year, 1,000,000 KM more has been allocated, which is in line with the KS Government's principles of continuously increasing budget funds for science, technological development, and innovation.

As stated by the Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Youth of KS, Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Nikolić, the funds are intended for co-financing projects and programs that contribute to the development of scientific research, artistic research, and research and development activities.

At the Minister's proposal, the Government also adopted a Decision on determining the purpose, criteria, and method of allocating funds for the support of this activity at its last session.

"The funds will be distributed through two programs. The first program includes strengthening and developing human resources, administrative and research capacities, improving international cooperation and networking, as well as strengthening synergy between public administration, science, and economy by promoting new approaches in research and innovation. 300,000 KM has been allocated for these purposes. Part of this program is the project 'Memory Module of Besieged Sarajevo' through which scientific research of the past will be conducted based on artistic expression through new media.

The main goal of this project is to preserve the memory of the tragic past of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also to recognize the cultural and artistic values that emerged during the siege of our city. 150,000 KM has been allocated for this part of the program," stated Minister Nikolić.

Within the second program, co-financing of scientific research/artistic research and research and development projects/programs of special interest to Sarajevo Canton is foreseen with funds in the amount of 3,550,000 KM, of which 2,800,000 KM is for projects that will cover topics from all areas of science and art and which will contribute to connecting science and economy, a higher degree of internationalization, and encouraging innovative approaches to research (RRI - Responsible Research and Innovation) in all areas through which their impact on the development of the social community will be demonstrated.

"450,000 KM has been allocated for strengthening capacities for internationalization, which includes, among other things, publishing books and monographs, publishing and indexing journals, international memberships, and introducing programs/modules in foreign languages, as well as innovative materials that promote BiH's achievements in science and art. The program also envisages strengthening capacities for applying for EU research funds, co-financing the publication of scientific articles, and organizing and participating in conferences, for which 300,000 KM has been allocated," the Minister also explained.

For the purpose of realizing the first program, funds will be awarded through agreements and decisions for beneficiaries for whom the procedure for awarding funds is prescribed by a legal act and in accordance with the Law on Budget Execution for the current year.