A comprehensive science and technology-based apparatus is crucial for the long-term growth, economic independency, and gaining competitive edge to a state. For this, it is necessary to place science and technology at the centre of all development and to allocate the necessary resources for its research and development
This was discussed by experts during a webinar organised by the Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) - a think tank of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) - on Tuesday. The webinar focussed on the “Role of Science and Technology for National Progress, Growth and Competitiveness”.
NIPS Patron and NUST Rector Lt Gen (retired) Naweed Zaman said that technology in the contemporary world plays a critical role in productivity. If used rationally, it can yield breathtaking outcomes in terms of inclusive socioeconomic growth.
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Surrey Research Park Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Malcolm Parry appreciated Pakistan’s strong potential for science and technology-led innovation and speedy growth.
On developing a science park at NUST, he highlighted the transformation required a spirit of open innovation and multi-dimensional collaboration among key stakeholders.
He identified three journeys that science parks needed to focus on for the growth of startups into profitable businesses, namely, technology journey from the idea to the market, the market journey based on finding customers critical to success, and the regulation journey based on legal activity promotion and investor-friendly tax regulations.
Dr Kang Dachen, a professor at the Institute of Policy and Management of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), identified the strategic five-in-one approach adopted by China for modernisation in science and technology and national development.
He said that it consists of according a central position to science and technology in national development planning, promoting independent research, orienting science and technology to directly support economic and social development, creating science and technology force and keeping pace with global science and technology developments.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2020.
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