LASER SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS IN LITHUANIA  
 
A.S.Dementjev, G.Raciukaitis 
E-mail: aldement@ktl.mii.lt 
State research institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Department of 
Laser Technology, Savanoriu Ave. 231, LT-02300 Vilnius, Lithuania, http://www.ftmc.lt 
 
Innovation is the principal driving force for economy growth that enables to achieve high 
operational productivity efficiency and adequate living standards of the population. In 2010 the 
Lithuanian Government approved the first large-scale Lithuanian innovation strategy, which sets 
vision, objectives, goals and results to be achieved in the field of Lithuanian Innovation up to 2020. 
The purpose is to mobilize and manage state resources effectively: to create competitive knowledge 
economy based on the latest technologies and qualified human resources.  
In Lithuania there are developed five Integrated Science, Studies and Business Centers 
(Valleys) with a view to building up research, studies and knowledge economy clusters of 
international level, accelerating the development of knowledge society and consolidating the long 
term foundation for the competitiveness of Lithuania’s economy. The Valleys are located in the 
three country‘s largest cities (Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda). Strategic goal of Sauletekis Valley of 
(Vilnius) - to develop the scientific integration of Europe and to strengthen its international 
outreach, to ensure open access to high quality research infrastructure, to attract the best researchers 
from around the world in laser and light technologies, nanotechnologies, semiconductors 
technologies and electronics, civil engineering. 
The aim of the High Technology Development Programme for 2011-2013 is to help to 
develop worldwide perspective high-tech trends with scientific potential, which makes it possible to 
create new products competitive in a global market. The main objectives are to develop five 
technology trends for research and experimental development activities: Biotechnology, 
Mechatronics, Laser technology, Information technology, Nanotechnology and electronics. 
Laser science and industry are among the strongest areas of Lithuania’s knowledge 
economy. Research and developments in laser science and technology are mainly concentrated in 
Vilnius University and Center for Physical Sciences and Technology. Scientific research covers a 
wide range of areas: from laser physics and optical technologies to laser biomedicine. 
Achievements of Lithuanian laser scientists have been recognized by significant international 
awards. By conducting world-class laser research for more than 40 years, Lithuanian science 
centers have gained extensive expertise and prepare a pool of highest-qualification specialists.  
Products manufactured by Lithuanian laser companies hold nearly 10% of the global 
market of lasers used for scientific research. They export about 85% of their products to more than 
100 countries around the world. The majority – three quarters of total production – si sold in Europe 
and North America. However, the rapidly growing Asian market is another target for the Lithuanian 
manufacturer.