Towards results-oriented national Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) policy: Bridging stakeholders’ equitable involvement

Abstract

The main focus of our national science, technology & innovation (ST&I) policy has been on the development of ST&I planning and management, human source development, indigenous technology, technology transfer, creation of absorptive capacity and international cooperation as well as identifying and developing priority “Thrust Areas.” (Ministry of Science and Technology [MoST] 2012). Developing knowledge of science & technology and transferring the same to green & clean products’ production, is also considered fundamental to a ST&I policy, leading to sustainable socio-economic progress. Knowledge is never centered at one place or with one person, be it in a developed or developing country. Greater is the stakeholders’ involvement and opportunities for their proactive participation, more is the collective knowledge & wisdom achieved, in addressing issues & challenges towards national development and citizen welfare. The diverse knowledge put to-gather help minimize shortcomings & enhance quality from multiple aspects of any products/technologies, so developed, produced and employed in this age of fierce competition around, at all levels. Transforming of S&T knowledge to a product may be a one-step laboratory bench scale process but taking it to a competitive market, adds on a pilot scale production phase, the success of which define as an acceptable quality, low-cost and market demand (existing or to be developed), finally lead it to the commercial scale production for an open market.