CHANGING CENTER-PERIPHERY RELATIONS IN THE FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS - THE CASE OF BYELARUS

The issues of science and technology policy in the Republic of Belarus are explored within the framework of centre-periphery theory. As a ne wly independent state, Belarus inherited a considerable scientific pot ential that was on the periphery of the Soviet research system. Now th e socioeconomic crisis restricts the options for the development of sc ience and technology in Belarus, and makes the situation uncertain. In these conditions, the government must play a strategic, coordinating role if it is to generate a research policy capable of meeting the cou ntry's social needs, and of overcoming its peripheral economic positio n. From a. comparative analysis of centre-periphery relations historic ally in Finland, one can expect in Belarus a gradual shift in the stat e's goals for science and technology policy, from national revival to modernization, and subsequently to full international economic competi tiveness.