Plenary Session : STI POLICIES FOR KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AND INVESTMENT

First NRN Global Knowledge Convention

Plenary 1: STI Policies for Knowledge and Investment

Date: 13 October 2018

Time: TBC

Hall: TBC 

Science, technology and innovation (STI) are universally recognized as key drivers for achieving the development goals. However, to make STI work for the society, appropriate STI policy frameworks and participatory forms of governance are essential. The plenary session on STI Policies of Government of Nepal for Knowledge Transfer and Investment is deisgned to discuss on facilitating knowledge transfer and investment in science technology and innovation for the overall national development. Nepal’s national plan mentioned about the role of science and technology for the first time in sixth plan (1980-1985). The direction was followed by expansion of S&T related government departments and university institutes, establishment of national research institutions and science ministry, and formulation of S&T policy. A notable achievement has been the production of critical mass of human resources in S&T, which is over three for 1000 population. Nepal’s breakthrough in STI, however, is still in waiting. While finding out policies for knowledge transfer and investment, the plenary session will examine some pertinent questions such as:

• Why it is taking time for Nepal to integrate STI in development mainstream since it adopted development plan in 1956, and what lessons that Nepal can learn from the countries like South Korea, Singapore and Sri Lanka which started development course in the same decade of 1950s?
• Why Nepal has not been able to operate an internationally acclaimed higher education system (like IIT and AIT) in spite of producing competent human resources in science and technology?
• What is the status of major actors (universities, research institution/councils, enterprises) in scientific research and technological innovation in Nepal?
• Why STI does not get priority in the Government’s programme and budget, and investment in R&D is perennial low?
• Are the STI policies been a factor responsible for lacklustre show or is the political economy hindering the transition towards creating innovation system?

Program Schedule