The need to make scientific research an essential part of the country’s productive forces, contributing tangible results to socio-economic development, was emphasized by First Vice President Miguel Díaz–Canel Bermúdez, during discussion of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment’s (Citma) annual report for 2015.
The Vice President stressed the importance of recuperating the foundational principles of the nation’s scientific poles – the linking of research to production and development in a continuous cycle – in particular in the humanities, given that social sciences are being called upon to play a crucial role in the new situation facing the country, at a time when more subtle ideological methods of subversion are being used to undermine the Cuban Revolution.
He noted that the construction of a prosperous, sustainable socialist system requires a greater contribution from scientists and innovators, especially in the priority areas of expanding exports and the diversification of markets.
Citma Minister Elba Rosa Pérez Montoya reported that 2016 priorities include revitalizing the science-technology-innovation system; guaranteeing financing for key projects; emphasizing attention to young professionals; the strategic development of nanotechnology; addressing climate change, and careful monitoring of the country’s epidemiological situation.
Also attending the discussion were Comandante Guillermo García Frías; Olga Lidia Tapia, member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat; and Comandante Julio Camacho Aguilera.
(Granma)