Regional Dialogue on “Science & Technology Policy In The Context of Biotechnology”

The Science and Technology (S&T) has emerged as one of the key drivers of development globally. The development of Science & Technology using modern tools such as biotechnology has changed with time systematically. The application of science and technology remained key enablers for the increased agriculture production, industrial growth, energy production, environmental conservation and management, improved health care and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) enabled education particularly in the developing countries.

In general, most developing countries enunciated the Science & Technology Policy with emphasis on research and development, modern technological tools using biotechnology for S&T applications, developing skilled manpower and education. The policy varied with objectives, focus to the decadal growth & development in the context of time trends, availability of manpower across the manufacturing industry,
agriculture and economic services.

The Science and Technology significantly contributed in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). In a recent review of UNESCO, revealed that lack of innovation in science and technology has led to shortfall in the achievements of MDGs. It was therefore critical to connect science-technology and society.

In the light of the above, UNESCO and the Government of India through the Regional Centre for Biotechnology jointly organized a symposium “Role of Biotechnology in post – 2015 Development Agenda” early this year February 2015. In continuation to the initiative, a Regional Dialogue on Science & Technology Policy in the context of Biotechnology is being planned to be held at NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad (NCR of Delhi) first week of November 2015.

One of the key objectives of this dialogue is to create a knowledge platform for sharing the best experience in S&T policy with emphasis on biotechnology as tool for sustainable development, identify the gaps & develop concrete strategies for integrated mechanism in S&T including biotechnology taking into account the economy, governance and stakeholder mechanism.

The dialogue will aim at establishing key aspects within the region by:

• Creating ways of accelerating S&T reforms through creation of Centres of Excellence in S&T education & training
• Establishing scientific community that can network with developing nations in the light of biotechnology application for sustainable development
• Establishing S&T innovation policy among the networking nations and possible international collaboration at the strategic level
• Becoming a platform for S&T, Biotechnology and innovation in the respective countries with focus to education, manpower development (high-end skills)
• Creating employment opportunities in S&T sector through focussed skills training in biotechnologyThe overall aim shall be to identify key areas for future development in S&T, applications of biotechnology relevant to the country’s needs. This will be made through presentation of country strategy paper on the innovations, process in the respective countries.In the light of these developments, RCB jointly with UNESCO are holding a Regional Dialogue on “Science & Technology Policy in the context of Biotechnology” during first week of November 2015 (firm dates for the same will be notified shortly).The details of the schedule of the programme for the 2 days will be available in the website. It is envisaged that eminent scientists, policy makers, professional institutions will participate from across the following nations and share their country experience in S&T Policy, Sustainable development approaches, Biotechnology and related fields.
• India
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Japan
• Nepal
• Maldives
• Sri LankaFor more details about the Regional Dialogue, Information Brochures please visit the websites:
• www.rcb.res.in
• www.dbtindia.nic.in
• www.unesco.org

You may please write in your feedback to the Conference Coordinator at: regdialogue@rcb.res.in

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