Overview
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are vital drivers of economic growth and development across all ASEAN Member States, regardless of their economic status. Each economy within ASEAN is powered by various forms of production, ranging from agriculture and energy to finance, manufacturing, and tourism. Recognizing the critical role of STI in these sectors, ASEAN has emphasized a collaborative approach to harnessing the power of STI to tackle the real-world challenges faced by its citizens.
The integration and cooperation agenda within ASEAN’s STI framework is underpinned by a shared vision among all member states. This vision aims to leverage STI for the exchange of knowledge and research advancements while ensuring that research outputs are transformed into practical solutions that address pressing issues. Various cooperation platforms have been established to promote inclusivity and knowledge exchange. For example, fellowships and prizes for female scientists have been introduced to encourage the movement of scientists across borders and to ensure that women are well-represented in the STI field.
The process of translating research into market-ready solutions involves multiple segments of the STI ecosystem. This ecosystem connects upstream research with mechanisms that facilitate technology transfer and commercialization. At this stage, collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and end users becomes crucial to ensure that innovations are tailored to meet the specific needs of users. Moreover, cooperation in establishing protocols for intellectual property rights, including patents and designs, helps facilitate the acquisition or licensing of technology, thereby contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through manufacturing and export activities.
In the context of a globalized market, protecting intangible assets such as trademarks and geographical indications is vital for businesses. Cooperation in setting up protocols for the protection and enforcement of these assets provides businesses with the security they need to invest and grow. This, in turn, has a direct impact on the economy by attracting foreign direct investment and supporting the formation of businesses of all sizes. The broader impact on society can be seen through the creation of job opportunities and the potential for people to improve their socioeconomic status. The integration of STI across all stages, from ideation to implementation and impact is essential for maximizing its benefits.
ASEAN’s commitment to STI dates back to the establishment of the ASEAN Permanent Committee on Science & Technology (PCOST) in 1971, which included Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The committee’s early initiatives focused on addressing regional challenges, such as developing low-cost protein-rich foods for infants and compiling climate data. In 1978, PCOST was rebranded as the ASEAN Committee on Science & Technology (COST), and the first ASEAN Plan of Action on Science & Technology (APAST) was developed. Over the decades, the committee has expanded to include all ten ASEAN Member States, and the current ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology & Innovation (APASTI) covers the period from 2016 to 2025.
APASTI is organized around four key thrusts. The first thrust focuses on public-private collaboration, aiming to strengthen strategic partnerships among academia, research institutions, networks of excellence, and the private sector to create a robust ecosystem for capability development, technology transfer, and commercialization. The second thrust emphasizes talent mobility, people-to-people connectivity, and inclusiveness by enhancing the mobility of scientists and researchers and promoting the engagement of women and youth in STI. The third thrust provides support for enterprises by fostering innovative systems and smart partnerships to nurture STI enterprises, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Finally, the fourth thrust seeks to raise public awareness and encourage the enculturation of STI within ASEAN.
The direction of ASEAN’s STI initiatives is set by the ASEAN Science & Technology Ministers at the annual ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology & Innovation, with the Committee on Science, Technology & Innovation overseeing key activities. ASEAN NEXT, an annual event initiated in 2017, serves as a platform for policymakers, researchers, and the private sector to forge partnerships, share knowledge, and foster the development of new businesses. Additionally, the ASEAN Science, Technology & Innovation Week, a triennial event, provides an opportunity to showcase technologies and expand STI cooperation among scientists, technologists, researchers, and industry practitioners.
As ASEAN moves forward with the current APASTI, efforts are being made to engage a wider range of stakeholders, including universities, policy research centers, international organizations like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the private sector. A stock take of the initiatives and activities implemented under APASTI will be conducted, providing valuable insights for future planning and ensuring that ASEAN continues to harness the full potential of STI for the benefit of its people.
In conclusion, Science, Technology, and Innovation are integral to ASEAN’s vision for economic growth, societal progress, and regional cooperation. By fostering collaboration across member states and integrating STI into all stages of development, ASEAN is well-positioned to address the challenges of today and build a brighter, more prosperous future for all its citizens. (ASEAN Science, Technology, and Innovation, n.d.)
References
ASEAN Science, Technology, and Innovation. (n.d.). ASEAN. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://asean.org/our-communities/economic-community/asean-science-technology-and-innovation/
