KUALA LUMPUR, Monday, 8 August 2016 – Science, technolgy and innovation is widely acknowledged as a catalyst for the economic growth. In order to ensure that science systems can play this role, it is essential for countries to develop an STI policy and see through its implementation. However, despite this not all developing countries have STI policies. It is on this need and the increasing importance of STI in national development that the International Science, Technolgy and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation under the auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC) organises the Training Programme on STI Policy and Management. The programme for this year held from 8-12 August 2016 aims at providing professionals who will drive the development and implementation of science, technology and innovation and programme for the developing countries and emerging economies. Participants will be provided with the necessary knowledge and skills in the development and management of a national STI policy in support of social-economic transformation. Thirty participants representing twenty-four countries have been selected for this programme. This eighth programme in STI Policy and management organised by ISTIC is conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre) and the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Centre Organisation (ISESCO).
This year’s programme focuses on High Technology Export (HTE) as its theme as HTE is an important indicator of the economic status of the country. Participants will be taken on a site visit to the Malaysian Technology Park where they will have the opportunity to get an insight into the successes in support towards the development of high technology firms, issues and challenges and how developing countries can harness the potential of science, technology parks in the creation and development of high technology firms in contributing towards high technology exports and economic development.
Participants in this programme will be able to pursue an extended programme through online learning centre and if successful obtain the UTM-Perdana – ISTIC Professional Certificate of STI policy Management awarded jointly by the UTM Perdana School of Science, Technology and Policy. This would enable the participants to apply for a Master’s programme at the same school.
ISTIC is committed in ensuring developing countries are not left behind in the pursuit of economic advancement, impeded by the absence of a technological capability to harness new opportunities, that will generate income, jobs and revenue for government.
The training programme was officiated by Dato’ Dr. Mohd Azhar Haji Yahaya, Secretary-General, representing Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia.