The Hi-Tech Park (HTP) in Belarus is a key driver in developing the country’s IT sector, providing favourable conditions for innovative companies and startups. The Supervisory Board plays a central role in the management and strategic development of HTP. It is responsible for making important decisions, coordinating the Secretariat’s proposals, and approving new residents. The Supervisory Board includes representatives of government agencies and the scientific community, which ensures a balanced approach to developing the IT industry in Belarus.
Functions and Powers of the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board of the Hi-Tech Park (HTP) in Belarus performs key functions in its management and development. Its main responsibilities include approving HTP strategic decisions and policies, reviewing residency applications, and interacting with government agencies.
Approval of HTP Strategic Decisions and Policies
The Supervisory Board plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of HTP development. It coordinates the Secretariat’s proposals for expanding the Park’s activities, which allows it to adapt to rapidly changing trends in high technology and meet market needs. In addition, the Supervisory Board approves key initiatives and projects to strengthen HTP’s position as the region’s leading special legal regime for the IT sector.
Reviewing of Applications for Residency
One of the most important functions of the Supervisory Board is to review and make decisions on applications for HTP resident status. The Secretariat conducts a preliminary assessment and scientific and technical expertise of potential residents’ submitted documents and business projects, after which it submits its recommendations to the Board. Based on these recommendations, the Supervisory Board decides on registration or refusal to register companies and individual entrepreneurs as HTP residents. It also has jurisdiction to revoke the status of a resident in case of non-compliance with the established requirements and conditions.
Interaction with Government Agencies
The Supervisory Board ensures the effective interaction of HTP with various government agencies. It is accountable to the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus and operates according to legislation and the approved charter. The council coordinates its actions with government agencies to implement joint projects, develop regulations, and initiate initiatives aimed at supporting and developing the country’s IT sector. Such cooperation helps to create favourable conditions for attracting investments, developing innovations, and strengthening Belarus’ position in the international technological arena.
The HTP Supervisory Board performs strategically important functions, ensuring effective management, development and integration of the Park into the national and global economy.
The Composition of the HTP Supervisory Board
The HTP Supervisory Board includes various government agencies and science representatives, reflecting the importance of an integrated approach to HTP management. The First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus heads the Board. It also includes highly qualified specialists: deputy ministers, representatives of the Presidential Administration, and heads of scientific and educational institutions such as the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics and the National Academy of Sciences.
The Supervisory Board’s principles include appointing members based on their expertise in digital technology, science, finance, and economics. This allows for strategic leadership and interagency collaboration to develop HTP and support innovation in Belarus.
The President of the Republic of Belarus approved the composition of the HTP Supervisory Board.
The Role of the Supervisory Board in the Development of HTP
The HTP Supervisory Board plays a key role in developing the Hi-Tech Park and supporting innovation processes in Belarus. Its functions go far beyond standard management: the Supervisory Board actively promotes the creation of conditions for the prosperity of startups and new technologies, which is the basis for maintaining HTP’s dynamic growth.
Support for Innovation and Startups
The Supervisory Board significantly impacts the development of innovations, especially in the fields of information technology and startups. It not only approves strategic directions and initiatives but also supports projects that promote the introduction of advanced technologies in various areas of the economy. By participating in the development and approval of legislative initiatives, the council creates conditions for the development of startups, facilitating access to necessary resources and providing support in the form of tax incentives, which, in turn, stimulates the creation of new high-tech enterprises.
Impact on the Investment Climate and Attraction of International Companies
The HTP Supervisory Board also plays an important role in improving the investment climate in Belarus, particularly in the high-tech sector. Through active work with government agencies and international partners, the Supervisory Board promotes the creation of attractive conditions for foreign investors. Attracting international companies and establishing partnerships with foreign foundations and corporations facilitate the exchange of experience, technology, and investment in promising startups. The Board helps build confidence in HTP in the global market by attracting large international and small innovative enterprises.
Creating Favourable Conditions for the IT business
For HTP to remain competitive and continue to attract information technology companies, the Supervisory Board actively creates favourable conditions for their activities. It includes not only participating in the development of tax and other benefits regulations but also creating an infrastructure for effective business operations. Together with government agencies, the Supervisory Board develops policies to support and develop the IT sector, including improving conditions for staff training, ensuring access to new technologies and resources, and creating effective mechanisms for cooperation with foreign companies and scientific institutions.
Thus, the HTP Supervisory Board is an important link in creating and maintaining a healthy innovation and high-tech development system in Belarus.
Changes in the Activities of the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board of the Hi-Tech Park (HTP) in Belarus plays a key role in the strategic management and development of the country’s IT sector. In recent years, significant changes have been implemented in its operations to improve work efficiency and adapt to modern technological trends.
Recent Reforms and Changes in the Rules of Work
One of the important steps was the unification of the HTP Administration and the Secretariat of the Supervisory Board into a single management company. Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 102 dated April 12, 2023, “On the development of the Hi-Tech Park”, provided for the reorganization of the state institution “Administration of the Hi-Tech Park” by joining the state institution “Secretariat of the Supervisory Board of the Hi-Tech Park”. This merger made it possible to centralize management and improve the coordination of HTP activities.
In addition, changes have been made to the registration process for HTP residents. The deadline for reviewing documents for registration has been increased to two months, with the possibility of extending it by 30 calendar days if necessary to conduct a scientific and technical examination of the submitted documents. Previously, this deadline was not legally defined.
Possible Development Prospects
In the future, the HTP Supervisory Board plans to focus on the following areas:
1. Development of innovation infrastructure: Creating and supporting technology parks, business incubators and technology transfer centres to stimulate startups and innovative projects.
2. Strengthening international cooperation: Attracting foreign investments and partnerships with foreign technology companies to share experiences and expand sales markets for Belarusian IT products.
3. Development and implementation of new technologies: Active implementation of artificial intelligence, blockchain technologies and other advanced solutions in various sectors of the economy.
4. Education and training: Jointly with educational institutions, developing training and advanced training programs for information technology specialists.
These measures aim to strengthen HTP’s position as a leading IT cluster in the region and contribute to creating favourable conditions for the development of high-tech in Belarus.
Conclusion
The Supervisory Board of the Hi-Tech Park in Belarus plays a critical role in managing and developing the special HTP legal regime. The Board’s functions cover a wide range of tasks, including approving strategic decisions, supporting innovation, reviewing applications for HTP residency, and interacting with government agencies. Thanks to its membership, which includes government agencies and science representatives, the Supervisory Board ensures balanced decision-making and effective coordination between various stakeholders.
The Supervisory Board’s role in supporting startups, attracting investments, and creating favourable conditions for the IT business cannot be overestimated. It helps to create an ecosystem that promotes the development of innovative technologies and attracts international partners, which significantly increases HTP’s competitiveness in the global market.
The importance of the Supervisory Board’s activities for the Belarusian IT industry is obvious: its decisions directly affect the growth dynamics and innovative achievements of the sector, supporting the sustainable development of the digital economy in the country. In the future, the Supervisory Board will continue to be an important factor in stimulating the growth and transformation of the Belarusian IT market and help strengthen HTP’s position as one of the leading technology centres in Eastern Europe.
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