Transcript DRAFT POLICY ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

POLICY ON SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
BY: M.B. WILLIAMS
DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
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AIM OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY POLICY
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A tool or key to build up competences
and competitiveness and assist the
nation to achieve highest added value,
efficiency and productivity in the
delivery of goods and services through
the use of science and technology.
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Policy Formulation Process
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The Lesotho’s first Science and
Technology Policy is the consensus
view, derived from a long, thorough
and open consultation process that
engaged all key stakeholders, from all
walks of life.
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Stages of Policy Formulation
Process
This policy formulation process was
undertaken through various stages
namely ;
needs assessment, S&T situation
analysis, sectoral consultations
including Parliamentarian round table
as well as; district consultations. The
main aim was to build a sense of ownership and to
develop a policy that is based on national needs and
objectives.
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Policy Formulation Process
Cont.
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The process among others included the
formation of the National Taskforce that
comprised of representatives from all
S&T sector. The mandate of the Task
Force was steer the process and build
the capacity of the Department of
Science and Technology.
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Policy Formulation Process Cont.
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The consultative process continued on
various levels. The Department of
Science and Technology through
UNESCO commissioned a consultancy
exercise ,where a group of local experts
in research and development, together
with the department carried out district
consultative workshops country-wide.
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Players
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Government of Lesotho
UNESCO
ATPS
UNIDO
UNECA
UNCSTD
Local Scientific Community
Basotho-at-large
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF
THE S&T POLICY
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Foster stronger S&T human resource
base
Develop a culture of innovation and
creativity
Create job opportunities and alleviate
poverty
Build a Vibrant information soceity
Promote and commercialize IKS
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THE SIX PILLARS WHICH S&T
POLICY SHOULD ADDRESS
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What are the basic needs, strengths and
resources of the nation?
How can S&T be applied to harness the
Country’s material base and wealth?
Which sectors and in what order should
Lesotho stake its financial and S&T
resources?
What are Lesotho’s most urgent priority areas
for technological skills and which are the best
models and facilities to provide?
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THE SIX PILLARS cont.
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How can S&T assist Lesotho rationalize
the scarce resources and balance its
socio economic imperatives?
What strategies should Lesotho
Government and Private Sector employ
to enhance development of science and
technology?
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THE STRUCTURE OF THE S&T
POLICY
The Policy Environment
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1. Context to the Science and Technology Development
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1.1
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1.2
Capacity to sustain science and technology including
Socio-economic considerations
Development Challenges
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1.3
Economic Opportunities and Areas for S&T Focus
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1.4
Rationale for Lesotho’s S&T Policy
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THE STRUCTURE OF THE S&T
POLICY cont.
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2.
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2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
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The Science and Technology Policy
National Framework for S&T Development
Integrating Basotho Core Values
Basotho National Vision
Principles Guiding the S&T Policy
Vision for Science and Technology
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5
2.5.6
Lesotho S&T Mission
S&T Strategic Objectives
S&T Core Policies Issues
S&T Policy Implementation
Core S&T Sector Issues
General S&T Sector Strategies
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THE STRUCTURE OF THE S&T
POLICY cont.
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3.
Strategic Framework for S&T Policy
Implementation
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3.1 Research & Development Prioritization
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3.2 Fiscal and Other Incentives
3.3 Strategy for S&T Funding
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3.4 Legal and Administrative Support
3.5 Institutional Arrangement for policy implementation;
3.5.1 Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology
3.5.2 Department for Science and Technology
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THE STRUCTURE OF THE S&T
POLICY cont.
3.6
Policy Facilitation
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3.6.1 Ministry Responsible for Education and Training
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3.6.2 Ministry Responsible for Industry, Trade and Marketing
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3.6.3 Ministry Responsible for Agriculture, Land Reclamation and Food Security
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3.6.4 Ministry Responsible for Health and Social Welfare
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3.6.5 Ministry Responsible for Natural Resources ;
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3.6.6 Ministry Responsible for Tourism, Culture and Environment
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3.6.6 The Private Sector and Parastatals
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3.6.7 Civic Organizations and Consumer Associations
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3.6.8 NGOs, Regional and International Agencies
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THE STRUCTURE OF THE S&T
POLICY cont.
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3.7 Cross Cutting Issues;
3.7.1
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.7.4
Biotechnology
Brain Drain
Standards and Quality Assurance
Gender Equity in S&T
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Implementation Phase S&T
POLICY
New S& T Institutions
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Lesotho Commission on Science & Technology
(LCST)
S&T Innovation Trust Fund ( Foundation)
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Components of the Inno-Fund
Lesotho Innovation Trust Fund ;
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Science Fund
Technology Fund
Innovation Fund
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ANNEXTURES
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Sector strategies to integrate science and
technology
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Example;Information and Communication
Technologies (Sector dynamics, sector policy
focus and sector strategies)
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Implementation Stage
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Role of UNESCO:
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Formulation process
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Publication (review) and Circulation;
Technical Backstopping/Assistance for
Institutional Framework and Setting a sound
S&T System Dr. Arnaldo Ventura from
Jamaica;
National Consultations through a National
Taskforce
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Conclusion
Policy formulation is indeed a process. It needs
resilience, perseverance and dedication but,
above all, readiness to the challenge is;
policy implementation and pragmatic actionoriented strategies, integration into the
national system of innovation, in line with
national goals and objectives , which in turn
should improve the well being of Lesotho
Citizens
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