Law of Georgia on Science, Technology and their Development (No. 603 of 1994)

The Law of Georgia on Science, Technology and their Development forms a legal basis for state policy that is a precondition for the intellectual and technological progress and welfare of the country. The state recognises that scientific and technological progress is one of the main factors for social development, improvement of the public welfare and for the self-enrichment of people, and that it facilitates the manifestation of intellectual capabilities and economic development of the country. The State ensures the development of humanities, natural and technical sciences as integral parts of national culture and education, and perceives scientific research as a form of creative activity. Activities in the field of development of science and technology include fundamental and applied research and its development plan, application of outcomes, improvement of current technologies and equipment in order to raise the production level and produce competitive products. The State shall draw up a policy in this field in accordance with state interests and capabilities, determine the forms of state participation in the development of science and technology and establish agencies to protect state interests and rights. The Law determines the basic goals and principles of state policy in the field of science and technology, authorities of state legislative and executive bodies in the implementation of the policy, defines creative freedom and responsibilities of scientists and legal rules and guarantees for the activities in this field. The State recognises its obligation to increase funding for the development of science. Notably, the Law also provides for the creation of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.