1. The High Technology Development Programme for 2007-2013 (hereinafter referred to as the Programme) shall continue the High Technology Development Programme of 2003-2006, approved by Resolution No 1645 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 22 December 2003 (Valstybės žinios (Official Gazette) No 121-5488, 2003).

2. The implementation of the Programme shall be started in 2007, finished in 2013.

3. The implementation of the Programme shall be organised by the Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation (hereinafter – the Science and Studies Foundation).

4. The threat arisen to the competitive abilities of the economy of the European Union (hereinafter referred to as the EU) prompted the EU to approve the Lisbon Strategy the aim thereof is to create an information society and by means of the technological development to render the EU economy the most competitive and dynamic in the world. Information society and competitive economy are the most important priorities of the long-term development of Lithuania. The globalization and competition from the Asian producers in the traditional branches of production forces our country to accelerate the production and provision of services of higher added value. This Programme is one of the measures for the attainment of the objectives mentioned. The importance of it is determined by the following circumstances:

5. During the implementation of the High Technology Programme for 2003-2006 a significant technological progress has been achieved, although the time period has been very short, and the financing has been quite low. Achievements have been noticed in all 3 related areas – studies, science and industry. They shall be set out in detail in the respective chapters of this Programme; the prospective results of implementation thereof shall be set out as well.

6. The objective of this Programme is to help to develop already existing trends of high technology production which are promising in the worldwide context and which have scientific potential enabling to produce the output that is competitive in the world market.

7. The tasks of this Programme shall be as follows:

8. The tasks of this Programme have been set having considered the following aspects:

9. Achievements in biotechnology science and industry during the last century definitely have made a huge contribution to the improvement of the quality of human life. This is seen through the elongation of life-span, improvement in the disease diagnostics and quality of medical treatment, increase in a variety and safety of food, control over environmental contamination. Modern biotechnology further remains one of the most promising trends in technological development, as well is the biggest investment sector in the world. According to the opinion of the European Commission, biotechnology is the most important factor of the economical development; therefore it is necessary to take purposeful and long-term measures with a view to ensuring the use of the potential of this technology. Products of Lithuanian biotechnology are competitive within the world production and science market and do not have equivalents in the Central and Eastern Europe, therefore the conditions are present for the further development of the biotechnological researches and use thereof for the increase of the competitiveness of Lithuanian industry.

10. Lithuanian biotechnology industry has been created due to purposeful development of fundamental scientific researches, the results thereof having consistently being transformed into marketable products. Industrial companies of modern biotechnology are the private limited company Fermentas (biology products for genetic engineering, molecular biology, medical diagnostics),the private limited company Sicor Biotech (development and production of pharmaceuticals based on proteins; a modern biopharmacy company, established using foreign investments as well), private limited company Biocentras (use of micro-organisms for the disposal of pollutants). Development plans for the private limited company biotechnology pharmacy centre Biotechpharma and the private limited company Biota, with a view to highlighting their biotechnological profile. Generally, these companies of the country have more than 400 employees. In 2005, their turnover was LTL 65 million with the production exported to 86 countries. Although the volume of this industry is comparatively small in Lithuania, according to the evaluation carried out by experts from the private limited company Ernst & Young Baltic this industry is one of the biggest throughout the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. In Lithuania, the companies mentioned have established their branches of research and technological development, where they carry out purposive basic and applied research.

11. Besides the companies referred to in Point 10, the Institutes of Biotechnology and Biochemistry,  the Institutes of Immunology and Oncology of the Vilnius University, the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics within the Faculty of Nature Sciences of the Vilnius University, the Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering of the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture, the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture, the Faculty of Nature Sciences of the Vytautas Magnus University and scientists of other institutions work in the field of biotechnology science. These institutes carry out ordered researches, as well in co-operation with foreign companies and research institutions prepare highly qualified specialists. A comparatively high intellectual potential has been accumulated. Good results have been achieved in the fields of research in chemistry and biochemistry concerning proteins, ferments and nucleic acids, molecular biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; a huge progress has been achieved in the field of bioinformatics and ecological biotechnology. However, a fair backwardness is felt in the fields of research in genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, plant biotechnology.

12. For the development of biotechnology, there is a need for specialists in various fields – biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, and bioengineering. They are being prepared in the Faculties of Nature Sciences and Chemistry of the Vilnius University, the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences of the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, the Faculty of Nature Sciences of the Vytautas Magnus University. The Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of the Vilnius University has started the preparation of specialists in bioinformatics. However, the biotechnology industry still feels shortage of qualified specialists as the number of specialists prepared is insufficient, and the level of preparation is insufficiently high. It is indispensable to develop the study programmes, to ensure due financing for the development of research base.

13. The part of the High Technology Development Programme carried out during 2003-2006, intended for biotechnology, helped to re-orientate theoretical researches towards practical ones, with a view to creating products and technologies that were competitive within the modern research areas and biotechnology industry. A comparatively great financing for this part of the programme (5 projects received LTL 4.4 million) allowed to include the strongest groups of researches, that were well-known thus far for their basic researches into the implementation of its tasks. During the implementation of the projects of the Programme, the largest biotechnology companies of Lithuania – the private limited companies Fermentas, Sicor Biotech, Biocentras were participating, 11 articles were published in publications which are on the Information Sciences Institute of the United States of America (hereinafter referred to as U.S.) (hereinafter referred to as the Information Sciences Institute) Master Journal List, 4 doctor’s theses were defended, 40 doctoral students were participating in the projects. Two international patents were prepared, agreements on licensing of patents were concluded, several projects still are under various stages of development, and 9 new jobs were created. The production of new products, intended for modern medical diagnostics was commenced in the Institute of Biotechnology; these products are exported into United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland, however, the foreign experience shows that the creation of competitive productions in the field of high technology needs a permanent, at least 10 years lasting support. During the implementation of the Programme several projects for the receiving of the additional support under the EU structural funds were prepared and implemented. During the implementation of these projects, modern equipment for biotechnology research was purchased; however, a huge backwardness is still felt in comparison to technical equipment of U.S. and Western countries.

14. During the implementation of this Programme new competitive products will be created, new knowledge attained, a lot of highly qualified specialists prepared, brain drain will be suppressed, favourable environment to the development of biotechnology and investments created. Having recourse to the knowledge gained in the fields of genomics, proteomics and basic research it is intended to create competitive technologies for the output of ferments with programmable characteristics and measures for pathogenic diagnostics, the first in Lithuania transgenic plant species resistant to pathogens. Having expanded the spectrum of cancer cell surface markers, methods will be proposed providing a possibility to identify the cancroid process inside the organism. Having recourse to the knowledge of modern molecular cell biology, the methodology shall be established enabling to create the pharmaceuticals of new generation intended for the individualised treatment of cancer. The new strategic methodologies for diagnostics and treatment shall enable to supplement the pharmacy industry with new products. In the course of analysis of therapeutical potentiality of stem cells particular attention shall be paid to the analysis of adult stem cells and the application thereof for the purposes of medical treatment, a close relation between science, health security system and biotechnical companies, preparing the supplements for the growing of these specific cells shall emerge. New methodologies regulating the use of adult stem cells shall be drawn up; the banks of such cells shall be established. It is expected to create 200 new jobs in biotechnology industry until 2013; the annual output shall reach LTL 0.4-0.5 billion; it is expected to attract foreign investments of LTL 100-200 million.

15. A lot of technological equipment and other production of high added value is based on mechatronic systems composed of sensors, controllers and actuators. The inherent features of modern mechatronic systems are capability to react sensitively to the surroundings, flexible programming, easy control via fixed or wireless connection, a huge range of application possibilities, because the elements thereof include “intelligent” materials. Nowadays mechatronic systems have been integrated into many of technological lines, vehicles, medical equipment, research equipment, home appliances, etc.

16. The development of installation of mechatronic systems into the industry of Lithuania is especially relevant with a view to increasing working efficiency (which in our country is several times lower than the average of the EU countries), as well to reducing the production energy receptivity, ensuring sustainable use of the resources, renewing substantially technologies of many industrial branches and energetics, with a purpose to enabling Lithuania to take part into many of European technology initiatives, to involve into technology platforms already established. It is indispensable to reach an essential turning point in modernisation of production technologies in order the industry itself could be able to create and activate the most necessary mechatronic systems and to produce a fairly big part of the elements thereof.

17. Having joined forces of business, science and studies institutions it is necessary to develop mechatronics research and installation initiatives, and in such way to increase the competitiveness of Lithuanian industry, to develop the generation of already created high technology products in the companies of the country, to activate research in wireless control, works in creation of algorithm and technologies, to develop research in biomedical engineering and to create high technology products intended for human wellness, to reach the practical results of the use of “intelligent” materials and microelectromechanic systems, to create end develop systems of navigation, computer vision, control and protection, to create the basis for the establishment of the clusters, rationally supported by the State, to improve the preparation and professional training of specialists of mechatronics.

18. Mechatronics may be associated with 20 percent of the whole processing and manufacturing industry of Lithuania, firstly, with the mass of the machine, device, electricity and electronics industry. Moreover, a big part of the products from the branches of service industry – communications, medicine and others – are attributable to mechatronics. Almost all the branches of Lithuanian industry include companies competitive in the international context which generate production based on high technology, attributable to mechatronics. This may be said about the private limited companies Medelkom, Limatika, Siemens, Baltec CNC Technologies, Elintos matavimo sistemos, Elinta, Lokmis, Kemek Engineering, Grida, Elsis, Viltechmeda, as well joint private limited company of Lithuania and the Netherlands KTU-Festo Pramonės automatikos centras, joint private limited company of Lithuania and the U.S. Brown&Sharpe-Precizika, the scientific services company of Mr. Gecevičius GTV, the company of Mr. Mališauskas HIDROTEKA, and others. Even more companies apply mechatronics technology for the generation of traditional products (food, clothing, furniture, domestic chemistry, etc.), however, according to the production, they are attributable to the groups of medium or even low technology (for example, the joint stock companies Lifosa, Snaigė, companies of the Achema group and others). Nevertheless, the efficiency of industry branches related to mechatronics is low: the added value of one employee reaches USD 3,500-7,000, while the average of developed countries is about USD 50,000. In order to stay competitive it is indispensable to increase the efficiency of the companies having recourse to the new technologies, as well using co-operated resources to help them to carry out the necessary research, to attract more investments.

19. The Kaunas University of Technology, the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, the Klaipėda University, the Vytautas Magnus University, the Šiauliai University, the Lithuanian Energy Institute, the Semiconductor Physics Institute, other science and studies institutions of Lithuania create and analyse mechatronic systems. Due to the weak technical base in the field of experimental research, Lithuania is quite behind the EU and the U.S., however, many works ordered by Lithuanian and foreign customers are being carried out, as well projects from the EU and other international programmes are being executed. The Kaunas University of Technology, besides modelling, force, dynamics, precision, reliability and other research works may propose new technologies and products on the basis of piezoactive materials, intellectual measuring instruments and systems, ultrasonic volume flow meters, ultrasonic precision level and distance meters, medical diagnostic systems, converters and devices for ultrasonic echoscopy, mechatronic systems for physiological monitoring, equipment for video and other data transmission reproduced on the basis of signals by means of telemedical networks; control and signal analysis software that saves resources of technology devices, etc. The Semiconductor Physics Institute has created a number of sensors for mechanic quantities of semiconductor (pressure, fluid level, vibration, etc.), including semiconductor silicon sensors. The Lithuanian Energy Institute and the Vytautas Magnus University have attained original results in the field of creation of electrochemical generators. The production of some of the new products created by the science and studies institutions has already been launched. For example, during the implementation of the projects under the High Technology Development Programme, products intended for human wellness have been created; the private limited company Baltec CNC Technologies has already launched the production thereof.

20. Mechatronics specialists are prepared at the Kaunas University of Technology and the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. During the recent years about 30 specialists were prepared at the Kaunas University of Technology, basic studies and master studies, whereas under the programs related to mechatronics, such as control technology, automation and control, control of processes and systems – more than 20 specialists were prepared; information technologies, mechanics, telecommunications and other study programmes are related to mechatronics. However, the quality of the preparation of the specialists must be improved – it is necessary to reform the existing study programmes or to create the new ones, to renovate the laboratories, to create conditions for the training in the leading companies of Lithuania and foreign countries involved in mechatronics. The situation should be improved as from autumn 2006, when the Mechatronics Science, Studies and Information Centre in the Kaunas University of Technology, established under the support of structural funds of the EU, shall start its activities, and the reformed programmes of master studies shall be launched.

21. The volume of the qualification development and re-qualification is still very low. This work is carried out slightly better by the branch of the private limited company KTU-Festo Pramonės automatikos centras, which organises training for specialists in industrial pneumoautomatics and hydroautomatics, and several departments of the Kaunas University of Technology; however, in order to cover all the mechatronic systems it is necessary to have other modern training laboratories and specialists.

22. During the implementation period of the High Technology Development Programme, 4 mechatronical projects were carried out (LTL 2.7 million were allocated from the appropriations of the Science and Studies Foundation, LTL 1.2 million were received form business partners). During the implementation of the projects, 20 articles were published in publications which are on the Information Sciences Institute Master Journal List, 3 doctor’s theses were defined, 44 doctoral students were participating in the projects. 2 patents were obtained, 14 new technologies and 21 new products were introduced, 13 new jobs were created. Annual turnover of the producers of high technologies in mechatronics trend has increased by not less than LTL 100 million.

23. During the period of 2007-2013 several new high technology companies should be established, at least 30 new jobs should be created, and the annual volume of realization of the produced, activated and installed mechatronic systems and elements thereof should exceed LTL 1 billion; technological equipment of many of industrial companies should undergo substantial changes. The forecast is based on the increasing perception of the companies of the fact that the use the imported technologies, the production of goods that were created by others, brings the income sufficient only for the coverage of the costs. Therefore the co-operation between the companies and the science and studies institutions, the preparation of the companies to update the technologies and to produce the self-created high technology products, must be promoted by the support from the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania. During the implementation of this Programme, within the Kaunas University of Technology, other science and studies institutions, the studies centres shall be enhanced, they shall be assigned to ensure the works of creation, modernisation and research of the mechatronic products, the creation and efficient use of the production and control technologies, the access to them for the all interested institutions of the state. It is planned to create a network of mechatronics companies, which should enable more companies to make use of the results of the co-operation between the companies and the science and studies institutions, supported by the resources from the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania, to help to solve the research-related problems of risk, co-financing, etc. According to the data obtained during the advanced survey, the companies referred to in Point 18 of this Programme, as well other companies shall connect to the network.

24. Laser technology (visual informatics, fotonics, optoelectronics, nanooptics and microoptics, nonlinear optics) that has a tradition of 30 years in Lithuania, is one of the priorities of science and technology politics of the EU, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (hereinafter referred to as the NATO) and Lithuania. The creation of methods and equipment for the transmission and storage of information, the production of new functional materials are based on laser technology. It is important as well for the development of biotechnology, environmental diagnostics, the methods for metrology and new defensive technology. The push of optical technology is mostly conditioned by laser (coherent light) technology, the development whereof requires the consolidation of huge intellectual resources, the unique experimental possibilities of several institutions. Laser technology is also related to the creation of coherent light sources, the methods for the operation and control of their parameters, and the integration thereof into the more complex technology systems.

25. Contemporary modern technology that penetrates into the fields of micrometric and nanometric measurement needs means of production of a new type. During the last 10 years the market of laser systems was constantly expanding, and in 2001, the world market of laser systems intended for the material processing exceeded EUR 4.5 billion. Up to nowadays laser technology in Lithuania has been traditionally orientated towards the market of lasers intended for science, which is tenfold smaller than the market of industrial lasers. Having aim to make use all of the huge possibilities of the industrial laser market, it is necessary to enhance the research and technological development of this trend in Lithuania, to prepare specialists able to create lasers intended for industry and to apply them to the laser material processing. Without any doubts the development of laser technology in Lithuania is very promising, because the county has a strong merger of industry, science and studies, connecting more than 10 industrial companies, several scientific institutes and universities. The potential of this merger is demonstrated by the fact that the industrial lasers exported from Lithuania to the U.S., Japan, the EU, etc. form 5.1 percent of the world market of lasers intended for science. Certainly, even bigger possibilities could emerge in case the products of Lithuanian laser industry could get deeper into the market of industrial lasers.

26. More than 10 high technology production companies operate in Lithuania (the private limited companies EKSMA, Ekspla, the scientific-industrial company Šviesos konversija, Geola, Standa, Optika and others), which create and produce laser technology goods. Almost 300 employees work in this sector (about 10 percent thereof have doctor degree), and the annual turnover of these companies exceed LTL 50 million. Lithuanian laser technology companies export about 75 per cent of their production to the best developed countries of the world. The products created in the companies have high added value (it reaches 60-70 per cent of the sale price of the product). The average volume of the output, calculated for one employee, reaches almost LTL 175 thousand per year – i.e. almost twice more than in the sector of electronics market of Lithuania. Most of the laser technology companies of Lithuania were established in 1985-1995. It was a natural step with a view to commercializing the results of the research works, carried out starting from 1970 at the Vilnius University and the Institute of Physics.

27. The works of applied research and technological development are carried out in the private limited companies EKSMA, Ekspla, the scientific-industrial company Šviesos konversija and other high technology companies. These companies reserve more than 5 per cent of the annual turnover for the research works. It is important to mention the first international project co-ordinated by Lithuanian institution (the private limited company Ekspla) “The Creation of Laser Fluorimeter for the Detection of Oil-slicks on Water Surface”, which is financed by the European Commission.

28. The Kaunas University of Technology and the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University carry out researches significant to the development of laser technology. The science centres of laser technology and laser research carry out international projects supported by the EU and the NATO. As well, they mass the research works supported by the Science and Studies Foundation.

29. In 2004, the Institute of Physics and the Laser Research Centre of the Vilnius University launched a project “National Laser Science and Technology Centre” under the EU structural funds, the objective thereof is to concentrate scientific potential from several institutions and renovate fundamentally the facilities of scientific laboratories. On of the examples of the international recognition of Lithuanian laser science could be the project named LASERLAB – Europe; the Laser Research Centre of Vilnius University having won this project in 2004 became a partner of the Integrated European Laser Laboratories.

30. As from 1974, specialists of laser technology physics and management of modern technologies are being prepared in the Faculty of Physics at the Vilnius University. Annually, approximately 10-15 specialists of laser physics, laser technology and the application thereof get master degree. It is necessary to improve the quality of the preparation of specialists – to develop the study programmes, to allocate funds for the renewal of the equipment. The Semiconductor Physics Institute, the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Biochemistry, the Institute of Oncology of the Vilnius University organise doctor studies in fields of laser application. The Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and the Kaunas Technology University prepare specialists required for the precision mechanics, optical engineering, specialized electronics and other laser technology.

31. Specialists of laser physics, precision optomechanics, optical engineering, laser electronics and optical technology should be prepared in conjoint forces of science and studies institutions of Lithuania, having harmonised the study programmes, making use of the existing contacts with the European science centres. In 2005, with a view to achieving these objectives the project “The Preparation of the Highest Level Laser and Optical Technology Specialists” under the EU structural funds was approved, the executors thereof are the Institute of Physics and the Laser Research Centre of the Vilnius University.

32. During the implementation of the High Technology Development Programme, in 2003-2006 5 projects of laser technology trend were carried out. The Science and Studies Foundation allocated LTL 4.3 million; the economic entities participating in the project allocated LTL 1 million for the execution thereof. During the implementation of the projects, 17 articles were published in publications which are on the Information Sciences Institute Master Journal List, 3 doctor’s theses were defended, 37 doctoral students were participating in the projects. 1 patent was obtained, 9 new technologies and 12 new products were introduced, 27 new jobs were created. During the execution of the projects the scientific and technical base of the institutions participating in the High Technology Development Programme was partly renewed. This will accelerate the development of laser technology in the country; as well will contribute to the progress of the research and the creation of competitive economy.

33. During the implementation of this Programme, new prototypes of lasers, laser systems, laser materials and laser technology shall be established; a number of specialists of highest qualification shall be prepared; joint collectives of scientists and engineers able to apply the scientific achievements in the process of the creation of competitive laser products shall be formed. Especially big attention shall be paid to the further development of solid and optical lasers concentrated by high-luminance diode lasers and the application thereof in nanooptics and precise material processing. Laser systems for diagnostics and environmental protection shall be created. In order to increase the interaction between science, studies and industry, joint action laboratories shall be established and enhanced in the Vilnius University and the Institute of Physics. As a result of co-operation of the promoters of the public body Saulėtekio slėnis a new Technology Transmission Centre shall be established. It is planned to finish the renovation of the Laser Research Centre of the Vilnius University and to expand substantially the base for the general access to the experimental equipment. In order to learn to apply the new laser technology, to create modern laser prototypes, with a view to implementing purposefully the research programmes, the forces of scientists, engineers, constructors shall be concentrated in one place, and for this purpose it shall be necessary to build specialised Chamber of High Technology within the Saulėtekis academic locality.

34. During 2007-2013, for the sector of laser and optical technology, having received the financial support of approximately LTL 100 million for business, science and preparation of specialists (the preliminary investment structure shall be planned as follows: 15 per cent should be invested by the companies themselves; 85 per cent – shall be received from the EU structural funds and the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania), as well having implemented the reorganization measures for the sector, it is possible to expect the following results: the annual volume of the output of the sector should reach LTL 250 million, the export should constitute not less than 80 percent thereof, the further prospect for the development of the sector should be ensured, approximately 700 employees should work in the sector, the added value created thereof should increase constantly, as from 2010 the taxes of the sector paid to the state should be not less than LTL 40 million; the science and studies institutions should ensure orders for research works of this sector of LTL 15-20 million annually, other industry sectors of Lithuania (precise mechanics, electronics, information technology) should receive orders for about LTL 40-50 million annually, the name of Lithuania should become a trademark of a country of modern production, as well it would attract investments and induce the formation of new technology trends.

35. Information technology is the most important element of the globalisation and the technological progress, the basis for the creation of knowledge society. Information products constitute a constantly increasing part of the national product of the developed countries. The EU, having emphasized the importance of the information technology to the new information society and with a view to accelerating the technological progress of the EU, has declared the development of this technology a priority and has projected huge investments into the research, application and the production intensification thereof.

36. The promise and the expedience of the production development of information technology products in Lithuania are conditioned by the following factors:

37. It is necessary to induce the development and installation of information technology within every field of the economy and culture of the state. In the field of culture, it is particularly important to strengthen the research in the identification of Lithuanian speech, synthesis and translation of Lithuanian language, because this is the only way to help the Lithuanian language to survive in the modern electronic and digital environment. Already nowadays it is aimed to develop research in informatics and informatics engineering, to unify the efforts of science and studies institutions, economic entities of high technology industry to ensure the competitiveness of Lithuanian industry and the rationalisation of the export structure. Science and technology parks are under creation and development in the regions where the scientific and industrial potential of information technology is concentrated (Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda).

38. The infrastructure of Grid technology shall have a great impact on the development of information technologies and the research related thereof, as well on the development of electronic services. This infrastructure would connect and develop the computer and software infrastructure held by universities and science institutes, the capacity of computer calculation and modelling, as well the electronic services.

39. Currently, the country has approximately 1 thousand information technology companies, which have more than 15 thousand informatics specialists. The production output of these companies constantly increases, and the contribution of these companies to the economy of Lithuania increases as well. As for now, tens of companies execute orders from foreign countries, a fair amount of these companies are companies of joint Lithuanian and foreign capital. It is important to grant access to the possibilities provided by the information technology not only to the residents of the biggest cities of Lithuania, but as well to the residents of rural areas.

40. The Kaunas University of Technology, the Vilnius University, the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics and the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University have the biggest potential of research. These works are as well carried out at the Vytautas Magnus University, the Vilnius Pedagogical University, The Klaipėda University and the Šiauliai University. More than 40 habilitated doctors of science and about 200 doctors of science carry out research works. More than 150 doctoral students study informatics engineering and informatics science. The research works include the software creation methods and the hardware design technology. However, for the meantime, the application of the results of research to the development of the information technology production in Lithuania is too low. Much more often achievements of science attained in our country are applied in foreign countries.

41. Presently, the higher education university institutions of Lithuania prepare 1 thousand information technology specialists every year and have approximately 5 thousand students. Colleges have more than 1 thousand of students. Doctoral studies of informatics may be acquired in the higher education university institutions and the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics. The number of the specialists prepared in higher education institutions is too small, in addition, a part of the specialists leave for the EU and the U.S.A. Regions of Lithuania feel a particular lack of specialists.

42. During the implementation of the High Technology Development Programme, 4 projects of information technology trend were carried out. The Science and Studies Foundation allocated LTL 2,7 million; the economic entities participating in the projects allocated LTL 1 million for the execution thereof. During the implementation of the projects, 3 articles were published in publications which are on the Information Sciences Institute Master Journal List, 1 doctor’s thesis was defended, 38 doctoral students were participating in the projects. 3 new technologies and 9 products were introduced, 14 new jobs were created. New textile materials were created, suitable for the bullet-proof vests (the NATO experts showed interest in the results of the work), a methodology for the evaluation of the creation technology level of the software was created.

43. This Programme shall be an important measure enabling to develop industry and production of information technology, to link science, production and business more closely. During the implementation period of the Programme, the following shall be expected:

44. Research and production in nanotechnology field have effect on different spheres of human interests (such as health protection, employment, ecology, information technology, energetics, transport, safety in a broad sense and cosmic research). The importance of nanoscience and nanotechnology can be proved by the increasing investments into this field (according to the forecast of specialists, the product market based on nanotechnologies shall increase up to EUR hundreds of billions already in the next decade), by the political decisions and appropriate documents of the European Commission, defining the strategy and the action plan in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnologies in European Union. As from 2007, the EU shall substantially increase the financing of nanoscience and nanotechnologies, as well of the creation of production technology for the new functional materials and devices, shall provide a support for the development of nanoelectronics under the Action Plan for the European Technology Platform on Nanoelectronics, shall support the multilateral co-operation of universities, science institutes and industrial companies. This alone proves the importance of nanotechnology research and experimental development and the excellent future for the competitive production. Moreover, due to the transdiscipline character (as they encompass chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, electronic) and the diversity of the object of research, involving nanomaterials, nanometrology, electronics, optoelectronics, information systems technology, biotechnology and nanomedicine, nanocsience, nanotechnology and the research related to new functional materials ensure the co-operation of scientists in various fields, that is particularly important in the process of creation of new products based on knowledge and the preparation of the production thereof.

45. Lithuania has the necessary scientific potential in the fields of nanotechnology and electronics. A lot of qualified scientists work at the Vilnius University, the Kaunas University of Technology, the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, public science institutes – the Semiconductor Physics Institute, the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Chemistry, the Lithuanian Energy Institute, the Institute of Biochemistry, etc. Annually, about 200 authors from our country publish their research works on nanotechnology and electronics in the international publications, and this proves the international recognition of the works carried out by Lithuanian scientists.

46. The universities of Lithuania prepare qualified specialists able to work in the fields of nanotechnology and electronics. The Kaunas University of Technology, the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and the Vilnius University prepare electronics specialists. Specialists of narrow specialization of nanotechnology are not being prepared in Lithuania, however, modules related to nanotechnology are being taught quite broadly. For example, a big part of master studies of material science and semiconductor physics programme at the Vilnius University concern nanotechnology and nanoparticles. The fact that doctors of science prepared in co-operation with the science institutes work successfully in the science centres of the world during their postdoctoral studies shows the high level of the preparation. The renovation of the research equipment that extend the research possibilities in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology, creates the conditions for the preparation of highly-qualified specialists of nanotechnology and electronics, have become possible (although insignificantly) through the EU structural funds.

47. Lithuania has the potential in the electronics industry, both in the biggest electronics companies (such as the private limited companies Elga, Šiaulių tauro televizoriai, Katra, Vilniaus Ventos puslaidininkiai, the joint stock company Lietkabelis), and small and medium electronics companies (such as the private limited companies Elsis, Elektroninės technologijos, Elgama-elektronika, Elmika, Geozondas, Eltesta and others, that form 53 per cent of the electronics industry and are more open to the innovative development of production). The constantly increasing global competition between the electronics companies, conditioned by the cheap supply of electronics production from Asia, induces the electronics companies from Lithuania to seek for the new production technology and technical decisions.  The companies and science centres in the electronics industry involved in the field of electronics and nanoscience, initiated the establishment of the Lithuanian Technology Platform on Nanoelectronics and Electronics.

49. During the implementation of the part of the High Technology Development programme, dedicated to the nanotechnologies and electronics, in 2003-2006, 4 projects were carried out, the Science and Studies Foundation allocated LTL 2.9 million, the economic entities participating in the project allocated LTL 0.5 million for the execution thereof. During the implementation of the projects, 38 articles were published in publications which are on the Information Sciences Institute Master Journal List, 1 doctor’s thesis was defended, 36 doctoral students were taking part in the projects. 5 new products were introduced, 6 new jobs were created. The results of the last year of the Programme were applied in the industry (optically changing marks for the protection of the originality of goods and documents, new microwave sensors, new materials and articles for the new generation monitors). The works carried out create conditions for the production of new high technology products in Lithuania, raises the technology level of Lithuanian industry, enhance its competitiveness.

49. In the execution of the Programme, it may be expected that during 2007-2013, about 200 new jobs shall be created and several new high technology companies shall be established, foreign investments of LTL 100-200 million shall be received within the nanotechnology and electronics industry of Lithuania. It is expected to create modern thin layer technologies, electronic lithography, interferential rainbow holography, nanoimprint lithography technologies, that shall enable to create modern nanotechnology products, such as quick-acting transistors, light emitting diodes, microwave-sensitive diodes and magnetic field sensors, emission devices and new generation monitors, quick-acting semiconductor-type devices for the control of very high current, new generation technical systems for cosmic technology.

50. The implementation measures of the Programme tasks shall be set out in the Annex hereto.

51. The execution of this Programme shall be organised by the Science and Studies Foundation in accordance to the Procedure for the Filing and Examination of Applications, Allocation of Funds, Reporting and Evaluation, approved by Order No V1-35 of the Director of Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation of 24 August 2005 (Valstybės žinios (Official Gazette) No 105-3898, 2005). Project competitions under this Programme shall be held annually. Projects shall be submitted by the science and studies institutions together with economic entities who are interested in the project results. The Projects shall be evaluated by the Science and Studies Foundation assisted by experts. The best projects shall be selected for execution.

52. The Science and Studies Foundation having deliberated with the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Economy shall form separate Councils for the High Technology Development Programme for 2007-2013 (hereinafter referred to as the Programme Councils) in regard to every task of this Programme, composed of scientists and representatives of business organisations. Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Economy and the Information Society Development Committee under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania may be included into the Programme Councils. The Programme Councils shall submit proposals to the Science and Studies Foundation on the organisation of the projects (measures) to the Programme, the evaluation of the projects and the projects to be executed, examine the project reports, conduct monitoring of implementation of this Programme, exercise supervision over project administration and assess the implementation of this Programme. The Programme Councils, having examined the project reports, shall submit to the Science and Studies Foundation, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Ministry of Economy the annual report on the implementation of this Programme and proposals for the Programme improvements by 1 March every year.

53. On preliminary calculations, the implementation of this Programme shall require LTL 125 million during 2007-2013, LTL 7-13 million thereof in 2007; LTL 12-18 million – in 2008; and in 2009-2013 – LTL 17-23 million each year.

54. The assessment criteria for the implementation of this Programme shall be as follows: