Volodymyr Semynozhenko

Volodymyr Petrovych Semynozhenko (Володи́мир Петро́вич Семино́женко) (born 9 June 1950) is a Ukrainian politician and scientist.

Semynozhenko graduated with honors in 1967 from the Magnet School specializing in physics and mathematics.

He later graduated from Kharkiv State University’s School of Physics and Technology in 1972.

In 1974, Semynozhenko defended his Ph.D. dissertation, and in 1984 acquired his Doctorate in physics and mathematics.

For more than 10 years of his life (from 1975 to 1985) he was devoted to the Boris Verkin's Institute for Low Temperature Physics and Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

Semynozhenko became the Head of the Ukraine State Scientific Institution "Institute for Mono Crystals" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in 1985.

This Institution was later transformed into one of the first technology parks in Ukraine.

Semynozhenko is a dedicated supporter of young and promising scientists and innovators.

Thus, he was one of the first public figures to develop a system of state grants for young, talented scientists.

In 1988 he became a Professor and in 1992 he was named the Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Semynozhenko is a scholar, a Board Member for the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, a Professor and author of more than 500 widely distributed scientific papers and books, and the holder of more than 80 patents.

In addition, he created and served as the Head of the Ministry of Sciences and Technologies of Ukraine from 1996 to 1998, and has led numerous technology and innovation Committees in the Cabinet of Ministers.

Throughout his considerable career, Semynozhenko has served as the Minister for Science and Technology of Ukraine (1996–1998), the [Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine], and as the Science and Technology Advisor to the President of Ukraine (1999, 2001–2002, 2003–2005).

Semynozhenko is a former Vice Premier Minister of Ukraine (in 1999, 2001–2002 and in 2010 ) and head of the Association of Ukrainian Scientists, and is now a member of the Board of the National Academy of Sciences, and served as the Chair of the Parliament Committee on Sciences and Technology.

He is also the author of Ukrainian Legislation on Technology Parks.

Most notably, Vladimir authored and implemented "The Law for Special Conditions for Innovation Activity in Technology Parks (1999)".

This law, targeting "brain drain" in Ukraine, has helped facilitate significant partnerships and business opportunities between blue chip western companies and the incredible talent pool available in Ukraine.

Semynozhenko's numerous activities have led to the emergence of Ukraine as one of the world's leading locations for technology and engineering innovation.

Semynozhenko was the party leader of the Party of Regions from late 2001 until early 2003.

Semynozhenko became the head of the national scientific-technical program "The Optoelectronic Technologies Development in Ukraine in 2005-2007".

Mr. Semynozhenko believes the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, as the leading Ukrainian science and technology community, is of vital strategic value to its people.

As such, he feels it should be integral part of the Ukrainian government.

His belief is that [The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine] should be directly involved in forming the political vision, and in leading the development of, the scientific community within Ukraine.

He is the Editor-in-chief of "Problems of Science" and "Functional Materials" magazines, and a member of the editorial boards of several scientific editions.

Among these is the theoretical and practical magazine of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine named "Strategic Panorama".

Mr. Vladimir Semynozhenko has long been a champion of innovation and invention in Ukraine and has worked vigorously to develop the political climate, legal structure and business environment that Ukraine needs to foster growth.

Since 2006 has served as the Head of the Board of Directors for the Scientific Intersectorial Corporation “New Technologies and Materials”.

During his work in Parliament he led the Intersectorial Committee for Intellectual Property Management.

Semynozhenko also took the lead at the [Ukrainian Scientific Association].

This is the non-government organization which provides consistent assistance to scientific, technical and innovative activity in Ukraine.

For his work, he was awarded a government medal for his vision and advancement of the Ukrainian scientific community.

In 2006, he was extended the honor of being named the Innovation Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

That same year, he became the President of the Civic and Political Leaders' Association, also known as the "Ukrainian Forum".

Mr. Semynozhenko firmly believes the Global Outsourcing Industry is a critical component to the development of the Ukrainian economy over the next ten years.

As such, he now dedicates his time to developing this industry in Ukraine.

Currently, the outsourcing industry in Ukraine is largely fragmented, underdeveloped, and with spotty support from the Ukrainian government.

He uses his time and influence to lobby and partner with various government agencies to introduce Ukraine to the global market as a leader in the outsourcing industry.

In fact, Mr. Semynozhenko has held industrious meetings with leading U.S. executives, such as Mr. Bill Gates and Mr. George Soros, regarding western investment and involvement in the development of the Ukrainian hi-tech industry.

During his long political career, Semynozhenko has been the head of several different parliament committees in Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) including the "Parliament Committee for Social, Science and Technology and Humanitarian Development" and the "Ukrainian Investment Fund for Social Investment, Environmental Committee".

Since March 2009 Semynozhenko is party leader of the party New Politics.