Engineering Post Report
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is globally recognized as the linchpin of societal development and economic growth. Recent developments at the international level have reaffirmed the significance of STI for its far-reaching dividends. The Government of Pakistan is cognizant of of the importance of STI and has rightly played the idea of a “knowledge economy” at the heart of its national development agenda which is impressively indicative through National Science. Technology and Innovation Policy 2022.
The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has been functioning since 1972. It is the national focal point and enabling arm of the Pakistan Government for planning, coordinating and directing efforts; for launching scientific and technological programmes and projects.
Keeping in view the importance attached by the federal government to STI, MoST through its 15 Research and development Organizations has diverted its efforts and resources towards demand-driven Research & Development ( R & D) and implementation of of projects having important impact economically.
The Ministry suggests technological development for higher growth rates from the areas of industrial development to renewable energy and rural development and for improving standards of living.
Its principal focus was on building Pakistan’s technological competence in the 21st century as we enter new markets, developing a larger pool of human resources to reverse brain drain, and integrating the existing technological infrastructure for strengthening of technology institutions, effective governance of Scientific and Technology Research, and enhancing the capacity of indigenous innovation to encourage system to promote “Made in Pakistan”. Outreach efforts were also being made to encourage local industries to adopt indigenous technologies and processes and become technologically advanced and sustainable over a period for achieving knowledge-based economic development . A pe4formance review of STI will be presented in the next issue, please.
