Science academy: Plans to teach tech to bureaucrats

ISLAMABAD: Plan is on cards to establish Pakistan Academy of Science and Technology Management (PASTM) with a view to make Pakistan an innovation-oriented country. “PASTM will be a body for research and training in science and technology management for the innovation of Pakistan’s science and technology management”, official sources at Ministry of Science and Technology told APP. Official said the academy will provide specialised training for improving management of S&T organisations. Training will be provided to senior and mid-level managers, he added. “Successful completion of this training will be made compulsory to be eligible for the appointment as head of an S&T organisation”. Government spends approximately $575 million on scientific research and technological development in a variety of fields particularly food, agriculture, water, health, ICT, and energy.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 7^th, 2014.