ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE: CURRENT PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

As Ukraine proclaimed the model of innovative economic development in 2001 and chose `the development of new and resources-economy technologies in the industry and the agricultural complex´ as one of the priority directions, this topic is of great interest for our society. Development of genetic engineering, biotechnology and their safe application are the most urgent questions. There are some biotechnological risks, which are highly discussed in mass media. They are: - transfer of artificial genetic constructions to genotype of existing organisms and appearance of more viable unhealthy organisms which can displace other organisms; - appearance of new albumen and biologically active substances which are harmful for people and animals. These problems are known as `biosafety´. Scientists of the world develop theoretical basis of `biosafety´, create legislative base which could provide health and environment protection. Our Ukrainian scientists have good results in biotechnology. There are some examples: microbe super synthesis of some important albumen; creation of bio-sensory systems for medicine and ecology; creation of new transgene plants. These investigations are biologically not so harmful as they are not used in practice yet. Another danger exists. Foreign biotechnological companies are interested in the promotion of their products at Ukrainian market. These products are very often not checked. Now in Ukraine transgenic products are being tested although it contradicts to our legislation. Thus, genetically modified potatoes are tested in Ukraine (resistant to Colorado beetle, MONSANTO Company), as well as corn (resistant to insects, NOVARTIS Company), sugar beet, etc. Committee for safety questions was established at the Ministry of Science and Technology. Some conditions of ecological safety are included in the laws of Ukraine, but some standard legislative acts contradict to the Ukrainian legislation. Scientists of Ukraine proclaimed the necessity of intensification of the state control on safety during works in genetic engineering and on entry of unaudited products in Ukraine. Moreover, they emphasized the necessity of cooperation with European Community in terms of biosafety. So, conferences, symposia on legislative regulation are held. Not only specialists take part in such discussions but also mass media, Internet visitors discuss them on-line. The raising of the interest in biotechnology and ecological safety on the part of society is also necessary to mention.