Science & Technology in Development

What is Science & Technology? Science is the organised study of man and the universe thro’ observation , measurement and experiments -Trying to find the rules that govern the universe. Technology is the practical application of science SvT: Why are certain crops planted in certain seasons? And in certain soils? Climate? -Why was fertiliser figured out to have such importance? -Why did Armstrong go to the moon? Robotic missions to mars? -What makes planes fly? Why are car models constantly evolving? -Why are scientists trying to find the cure for AIDS? Cancer? Subject matter of S&T is diverse: engineering (civil, structural, electrical, computer), geology, zoology, marine biology, medicine (human/animal), physics, nuclear, atomic, chemical, psychiatry,

Science v. Technology? Science Technology Motto Knowing Doing Mission Search & theory about cause Search & theory about new processes Result/ Relevance Making value free statements Activities are value laden Evaluation Methods Creation of theories Synthesis of design Goals Achieved Corresponding scientific processes Key technological processes Focus Focus on understanding natural phenomena Focus on understanding made environment Dev’t Methods Discovery (controlled by experimentation Design, invention, production Observed Quality Draw correct conclusions based on good theories and accurate data Taking good decisions based on incomplete data and approximate models Skills Required Experimental & logical skills needed Design, construction, testing, planning, problem solving,

History of S&T Development Refer to the slides of Maria Nina C. Leonoras

Science, Technology & Innovation in Africa Has STI developed sufficiently in Africa? What is the status of R&D in African countries? What is the level of expenditure, type of research, qualifications of researchers, areas of research, In 2007/08 only three countries in Africa spent more than 1% of their GDP on R&D (Malawi, SA and Uganda) Most countries with a strong STI background are OECD countries, are financially well off & deep capacity for technology transfer MDG’s were introduced to help developing countries bridge the development gap -Ref to the African Executive Article African Ministers met (March 2013, Daresalaam) under aegis of UNESCO, UNDESA and WIPO, and agreed on the following key priorities: 1. Innovation can bring benefits across all three pillars of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental, and is key to accelerating achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Cont… 2. Discussions at ECOSOC must lead to a Ministerial Declaration that calls for much greater emphasis on the contribution that science, technology and innovation can make to achieving sustainable development in relation to the post 2015 development framework and implementation of the Rio+20 outcomes. 3. The global policy approach to technology and innovation must change to keep pace with changing models of innovation and the new geography of innovation. Innovation is increasingly open, global, networked and collaborative. The emergence of new innovation players in countries of the south creates new opportunities for Africa. 4. Technology and innovation partnerships for development must be multi-stakeholder and recognize the critical role of the private sector and harness the resources it offers. 5. Policymakers in Africa should redouble efforts to develop their legal and policy frameworks, including their intellectual property legislation and policy, so as to release the region’s untapped potential. Investments in education, research and development should be increased. Support in moving ideas to development and to market should be accelerated.

Cont… 6. African countries need support to build their innovation infrastructure and the capacity to create domestic technology solutions to local development challenges, as well as to support the transfer, adaptation and dissemination of technology. Commitments of support should emerge from the ECOSOC Annual Ministerial Review. 7. ECOSOC should maximize its potential as a platform for multiple international efforts to support African countries on science, technology and innovation (STI) capacity building. It should identify mechanisms for greater coordination among providers of STI assistance.

Kenya’s Commitment to S&T Development STI Policy STI Act