Engineering Post Report
Major developmental focus during 2021-22 is mainly on the following areas: Human Resource Development, Nano Technology, Quality Assurance and Standards, Halal Accreditation, Medical Devices and Health, Electronics & Automation and Herbal Medicines .
Highlights during current financial year are the projects recommended by Prime Minister’s Task Force on Science and Technology. Some of these projects have specific objectives to boost knowledge economy. Some of the ongoing projects recommended by the PM’s Task Force are in advance stage of their completion. These included projects relating to development of Bio-Materials, use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Sector and developing products related to Industrial Biotechnology.
New projects relating to Gene Editing, Industry Research Centre Collaboration, Failure analysis and patent support will provide key ingredients of developing knowledge economy.
The innovative activities and entrepreneurship culture in talented youth was being supported by providing challenge funds to youth, researchers and academia in a competitive environment. In this regard, Ministry of Science & Technology has been implementing Competitive Research Programme. Through this programme, research grants are being provided for addressing the mega national issues and promoting world class research.
Young students need good base in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to become good scientists. In order to identify and facilitate the intelligent and science oriented students, Ministry of Science & Technology was launching STEM at school and college levels throughout Pakistan. Hopefully, this will enable the students to achieve their goals in their field of interest.
Awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for adoption of certification systems to help for improving their performance and productivity continues to be undertaken under the Certification Incentive Programme . Under the scheme, awareness seminars in association with local Chambers of Commerce and Industry are being arranged throughout the country, as and when required in order to maximize the receiving number of applications by SMEs for grant of Incentive Awards.
An amount of Rs 8341 million has been allocated to Ministry of Science and Technology for its development projects. This includes Rs3490.76 million for projects of Ministry of Science & Technology while Rs 4851.23 million are for projects suggested by PM Task Force on Knowledge Economy.
