New life for science parks: Ukraine launches Science City project
26 December 2024 16:35
The Ministry of Education and Science is proposing for public discussion a project to improve the system of activating the innovation activities of science parks, universities, and research institutions called Science City. This was reported by the Ministry of Education and Science, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The project envisages creating conditions for the development of research infrastructure, simplifying project administration, and stimulating investment activity, in particular through the possibility of obtaining Diya.City residency, the introduction of tax and customs benefits to increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian science parks, universities, and research institutions.
According to Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development, most of the 36 science parks currently exist only formally, and only five actually carry out innovative activities.
“That’s why we created a draft law on the introduction of Science City, it reforms the institution of science parks. Science City is a logical continuation of the transformation of education. We want to build a fast and flexible education system adapted to the challenges of the times,” the official explained.
The draft law on the creation of Science City is proposed for public discussion.
What should change
– More partners: science parks will be able to cooperate with any organization, opening up new opportunities for joint projects.
– Introduction of tax and customs benefits: this will increase the competitiveness of universities, research institutions, and parks in the market.

– Simplification of lease and procurement: science parks will be able to make purchases for private funds and lease state property without auctions.
– Diia.City residency: science parks will receive a reduction in the threshold for the average monthly salary from EUR 600 to EUR 800, without restrictions on state participation in their authorized capital.
– Digitalization of processes: registration, reporting, approval of development plans, and all administrative procedures will be carried out through the URIS electronic system.
– Performance evaluation: the results of science parks’ activities will be taken into account during the certification of universities, research institutions and the distribution of state funding.
– Modern infrastructure: preferential customs clearance of scientific equipment, joint laboratories, collective use centers, temporary free use of equipment.
– Simpler project registration: instead of a paid procedure for 45 days, free registration in 15 days with no restrictions on the timing of projects.
– Protection mechanisms: additional conditions to prevent abuse of the status of science parks.
– Transparency: information about all science parks, their development programs, and results will be available in an open register.
As noted, such changes will create conditions for the development of science and attracting investment in knowledge-intensive innovations. The project will provide scientists with opportunities to bring the results of their innovative developments to the market and focus on research by transferring administrative issues to the science park.
According to Mykhailo Fedorov, Science City will intensify the work of science parks, universities and research institutions, making them modern, innovative and flexible.
The official reminded that public discussions of the draft law on Science City are currently underway and invited those who have ideas on how to make the project more effective to read the information at the link and send suggestions to [email protected], [email protected].
What is proposed to be discussed
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine proposes for public discussion the draft Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on Stimulating the Development of Science Parks”.
The draft law provides for amendments to the Laws of Ukraine “On Science Parks”, “On State Registration of Legal Entities, Individual Entrepreneurs and Public Organizations”, “On Lease of State and Municipal Property”, “On Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activities”, “On Higher Education”, “On Management of State Property”, “On Stimulation of the Development of the Digital Economy in Ukraine”, and “On Public Procurement”.
It is also planned to amend the Tax Code of Ukraine, which, in particular, provides for the exemption of higher education institutions, scientific institutions and science parks included in the Register of Science Parks from value added tax on certain transactions, as well as to amend the Customs Code of Ukraine, which, in particular, provides for the exemption of science parks from taxation to ensure their own activities and the implementation of science park projects when they import scientific instruments, equipment, spare parts and consumables into the territory of Ukraine.