Information technologies as a basis for the modernization of Russian intellectual resources
This article is an attempt to validate the development of information technologies (IT) as a source for forming the core innovative trend, i. e., creative power, and upgrading national intellectual resources. A particular attention is paid to the possibilities of adopting IT in the national education system, distance learning, and accumulation of data resources. A number of measures is offered to make IT development more socially oriented and integrate national sciences, education, and industry with international innovation institutions as fast as possible. A conclusion is made that essential innovative principles must be urgently adopted to ensure further development of the Russian economy, improve its competitiveness, and upgrade intellectual power.
Science and innovation
This book examines an important phenomenon for competitiveness and innovation in industry: namely the growing use of scientific principles in industrial research. Industrial innovation still arises from systematic trial-and-error experiments with many designs and objects, but these experiments are being guided by a more rational understanding of phenomena. This has important implications for market structure, firm strategies and competition. Science and Innovation focuses on the pharmaceutical industry. It discusses the changes that the notable advances in the life sciences since the 1980s have exerted on the strategies of drug companies, the organization of their internal research, their relationships with scientific institutions, the division of labour between large pharmaceutical firms and small research-intensive suppliers, the productivity of drug discovery and the productivity of R & D.
Science fairs as learning tool for teaching excellence
Science fairs are usually considered to be a pedagogical and cultural activity that involves the students actively. Gifted students need challenges to further develop their skills while maintaining the motivation level. Science fairs may provide the informal environment that will request and allow these students of excellence to challenge themselves by developing a scientific research project. Despite being well known in different countries, in Portugal first steps are being made on the use and implementation of science fairs as effective pedagogical tool. In this work, we will present a 4 years study that was developed on a Portuguese school with the main goal of evaluating the advantages of this informal way of teaching. The study includes an analysis of the evolution of the students’ knowledge that have participated, or visited, the different science fairs. Some advices for the implementation of these projects will be given. The motivation of the students was monitored as well as the knowledge and skills effectively improved by this activity.