This Law regulates the system of scientific research and technological development in the Republika Srpska, establishes goals and principles, planning and realization of the general interest in scientific research and technological development, conditions for the establishment and operation of organizations that perform these activities, acquisition of scientific and research titles, the method of financing programs of general interest, as well as other issues of importance for the performance of scientific research and technological development.
This text is divided into nine main thematic Chapters and a total of 115 articles. Titles of these main Chapters are as follows: I. Basic provisions; II. Planning and realization of the general interest in scientific research activities and technological development; III. Ensuring the development of science and technology; IV. Scientific research organizations; V. Register of scientific research organizations and scientific associations; VI. Researchers; VII. Organizations for technology development, for infrastructure support for technology development and innovators' associations; VIII. Providing funds for the implementation of programs of general interest and awards for special achievements in the development of science, technology and innovation; IX. Transitional and final provisions.
Scientific research activity, within the meaning of this law, is systematic creative research work undertaken for the purpose of discovering new knowledge, raising the general level of civilization in society and using that knowledge in all areas of social development. Scientific research activity is an activity of general importance for the Republic and is an integral part of the international, scientific, educational and cultural space. The goals of scientific research activities are as follows: a) development of science, technology and higher education within an institutional framework that encourages excellence, national and international visibility in science and innovation with scientific research results that significantly contribute to economic development, economic competitiveness and the development of society as a whole; b) encouraging excellence in science and innovation in order to preserve, expand and deepen scientific knowledge and the general fund of knowledge; c) preservation and development of overall scientific and research potential (scientific and research and higher education institutions, scientific and research staff and scientific and research infrastructure); d) directing society towards innovation and raising the general level of technologies in the economy and ensuring the competitiveness of goods and services on the domestic and global markets; e) establishing international scientific cooperation for the purpose of faster integration into global scientific, economic, social and cultural trends and inclusion in the European research area; f) preservation of civilizational heritage and identity. Scientific research activity is carried out through the connection of basic, applied and developmental research, through the training and improvement of personnel for scientific research work. Scientific research activity is based on the following principles: a) freedom and autonomy of scientific research work; b) application of international standards and criteria in evaluating the quality of scientific research work; c) protection of intellectual property; d) ethics and responsibility of scientists and researchers; e) the publicity of scientific research work and the results of that work; f) scientific and professional criticism; g) connections with the higher education system; h) general socio-economic needs; i) concern for sustainable development, protection of the environment and human health; j) encouraging and respecting socio-humanistic specificities; k) competitiveness of scientific programs and projects; l) international scientific research cooperation; m) respecting gender equality in scientific and research work; n) open sciences. Scientific research shall be carried out in the following scientific fields: natural sciences, engineering and technology, medicine and health sciences, agricultural sciences, social sciences and humanities.