G. M. Dobrov Center for Studying R&D Potential and Science History has had this name since 1986. Its history, however, dates from 1965, when a team of researchers in science of science, led by G. M. Dobrov, began to form within the department of machine methods for processing scholarly information on history at the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR.
Its main study areas are:
- summing up historical experiences, patterns, trends, methodological and social issues of progress of Ukrainian science in the world science context;
- developing institutional, economic and information mechanisms for building up and efficient use of R&D and innovation potential in Ukraine, integrating the national science to the world-wide and European science areas;
- validating the scientific framework for R&D and innovation forecasting, producing medium- and long-term R&D forecasts for Ukraine;
- analyzing NAS experience, performance and prospects, alongside with ways to enhance its social role under radical socio-economic transformations.
Major results and developments:
Scientific fundamentals were developed for analyzing, measuring and building up R&D potential under radical socio-economic transformations.
An innovation-driven model for the economic progress in Ukraine and ways towards its implementation were developed, which were presented in the drafts of the Concept for the national innovation system in Ukraine and the Doctrine for science progress in Ukraine.
A system of strategic and medium-term R&D priorities was worked out, relying on wide-scale expert assessments; proposals on their implementation mechanism were advanced.
A conceptual framework for forming regional innovation strategies of socio-economic progress in Ukraine has been elaborated by using the model for developing scenarios of the dynamics of distribution of state- and market-driven factors influencing businesses’ competitiveness at the regional level. This approach takes into account EU practices and current socio-political conditions in Ukraine.
Studies of the role of informatics in the context of world science were made, with showing its role in research as a methodological discipline. The contribution made by Acad. V. M. Glushkov to the development of science of science was studied, especially to the theory and practice of R&D forecasting. A bibliography reference book of personalities in cybernetics, informatics and computing hardware was prepared; it contains over 500 names.
Theoretical fundamentals for science of science were refined. The standardized approach developed by the Center allowed the identification and description of more than 50 academic schools in Ukraine to be made. The information offered for scientific circulation involves nearly 100 scientists and specified facts from their biographies.