Summary of the Science & Technology Policy Framework on Research and Development Introduction Sri Lanka has historically lagged in sci...
Summary of the Science & Technology Policy Framework on Research and Development
Introduction
Sri Lanka has historically lagged in scientific and technological advancements due to inadequate leadership, funding, and strategic planning. While countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam invest significantly in R&D, Sri Lanka allocates only 0.12% of its GDP. Despite past initiatives, such as the National Science Foundation and National Research Council, R&D contributions to economic and social development have been minimal. Key challenges include insufficient leadership, low private sector participation, and poor collaboration among institutions.
Vision
The vision is to drive economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental sustainability through innovation and invention-led R&D.
Principles
- Support innovation and collaboration among scientists and institutions.
- Encourage experimentation and new inventions.
- Government plays a key role in policy formulation and funding.
- Private sector, public, and international community actively participate.
- Ensure equity, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in R&D.
Overall Goal
Leverage science and technology through a structured R&D mechanism to propel Sri Lanka into a new era of economic and social development.
Objectives
- Incorporate cutting-edge scientific knowledge.
- Produce value-added products and services for local and international markets.
- Encourage private sector participation.
- Promote education and technical training in R&D.
- Foster university-industry-government linkages.
- Reverse brain drain by retaining educated professionals.
Priority Areas for Investment
- Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, Food Security & Safety
- Focus on high-yield crops, sustainable agriculture, and value-added products.
- Research on fisheries, aquaculture, and climate-resilient farming practices.
- Health, Education, and Science
- Research on infectious and non-communicable diseases, drug development, and traditional medicine.
- Improve educational infrastructure and promote STEM education.
- Information Technology, Communication, Engineering, Energy, Maritime, and Transport
- Develop AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, IoT, and sustainable IT practices.
- Promote renewable energy and smart transportation solutions.
- Environment, Land, Water, Air, and Mineral Resources
- Conservation of biodiversity, sustainable resource management, and climate change mitigation.
- Promote eco-tourism and value-added mineral products.
- Human Development, Art, History, Culture, and Heritage
- Foster positive thinking, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.
- Integrate modern technologies into arts and heritage.
- National Security, Economics, Geopolitics, Public and Foreign Affairs
- Conduct research on sensitive areas essential to national interests.
Implementation and Regulation
- Establish a National Research Development and Management Committee (NRDMC) and National Institute for Research and Development (NIRD).
- Stakeholders include the government, research institutes, private sector, public, and international partners.
- Secure funding through government budgets, private investments, international grants, and innovative financial mechanisms.
Monitoring and Regulation
- NRDMC and NIRD oversee the entire R&D process, ensuring compliance with international standards and ethical practices.
- Regular reports and evaluations ensure accountability and progress.
Appendices
- Grant Fund Types: Research grants, program projects, training grants, undergraduate and school-level grants, and public research grants.
- Grant Distribution Mechanism: Two-stage review process (scientific merit and administrative review) for fund allocation.
- Interdisciplinary R&D Example: Demonstrates how R&D in one field can benefit multiple industries.
This framework aims to transform Sri Lanka into a knowledge-based economy by fostering innovation, ensuring sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
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