The Unique U.S.-Russian Relationship in Biological Science and Biotechnology Recent Experience and Future Directions (2013) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
7 Impediments in Carrying Out Approved and Funded Collaborative Projects
7 Impediments in Carrying Out Approved and Funded Collaborative Projects
Pages 91-100
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From page 91... ...
OVERVIEW OF DIFFICULTIES Issues surrounding visas, taxes, customs duties, money transfers, financial accountability, access to geographic areas and facilities, and transfer of biological samples, for example, persist despite repeated efforts by the governments to resolve difficulties. At times, the two governments have taken the initiative to resolve problems that have arisen during implementation of projects.
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From page 92... ...
Also, arranging visits to geographical areas that are not on traditional itineraries of foreign visitors may be difficult for inexperienced hosts. Usually, activities explicitly endorsed in documents issued by appropriate government agencies in the two countries before they begin encounter fewer administrative delays than activities that are arranged without such official support.
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From page 93... ...
Also, clarification of procedures for American scientists to obtain permission to conduct research near international borders, particularly in outlying regions of Russia that have different access requirements from region to region, would have helped foster exchanges when travel to certain geographic landscapes was important. It is too early to know whether the new visa regime will significantly reduce such problems.
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From page 94... ...
While both governments continue efforts to expedite issuance of visas, they should also give attention to ensuring that potential visa applicants are adequately informed as to the time needed for processing visa applications and as to the status of applications. There have been frequent changes in procedures in recent years, and at any given time, applicants may not be aware of the latest requirements.
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From page 95... ...
organizations involved in cooperative programs that would receive favorable tax treatment, similar to that accorded to Russian-European scientific cooperation. In summary, tax aspects, along with customs requirements, clearly deserve special attention, including appropriate budgeting for expenditures to meet legal requirements.
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From page 96... ...
LEGAL BASIS FOR ACTIVITIES Appropriate documents signed by authorized government officials or institutional leaders in both countries are often needed to conduct cooperative scientific activities abroad. These documents may be intergovernmental agreements, memoranda of understanding, or simply exchanges of letters.
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From page 97... ...
This is particularly important when newly developed advanced technologies are integral to the successful completion of collaborative projects. Further complicating the situation is distinguishing new technological approaches -- approaches that presumably are governed by contractual arrangements -- and utilization of old technological discoveries, which presumably belong to the institution that had developed the technologies before entering into a contract.
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From page 98... ...
SECRECY, CLOSED FACILITIES, AND SENSITIVE INFORMATION In the 1990s, the launching of bilateral programs, particularly those motivated by concerns over proliferation of sensitive expertise or dangerous materials, often encountered difficulties with attempts to (a) open closed facilities to foreign visitors to discuss joint projects and (b)
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From page 99... ...
National Park Service has encountered difficulties in transferring biological samples involving marine mammals and Beringian flora and fauna to the United States. Also, scientists supported by the National Science Foundation have had difficulties obtaining botanical samples from the Tiksi research station in the northern area of Russia.
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From page 100... ...
3. During development of new or expanded cooperative programs and projects, the possibility of impediments limiting activities deserves careful attention.
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