The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the Philippines is spearheading an ambitious and necessary initiative to augment the country's Research and Development (R&D) landscape. This drive is geared towards advancing innovation and contributing to the nation's economic progress.
At a round table discussion on a research paper titled 'Productivity-enhancing Research and Development; Public Spending and Institutions', NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Group, Rosemarie G. Edillon, underscored the need for an uptick in R&D outputs and their accessibility to markets and investors.
Edillon offered an intriguing analogy to explain the correlation between R&D and innovation. "When you do innovation, it's like playing Scrabble. You only have so many blocks or letters to form a word, and those blocks of letters are your R&D outputs. If you have more of these ‘blocks’ of R&D, you can innovate more," she explained.
This analogy underscores the critical role R&D plays in driving innovation. The more R&D outputs we have, the more resources we have to create innovative solutions.
To drive more R&D outputs, one of the first steps is to expand the pool of researchers. Currently, the Philippines has only 174 researchers per million population, a figure that NEDA aims to almost triple to 500 researchers per million population by 2028 through a comprehensive scholarship program.
Despite the presence of numerous R&D outputs within the country, these are often dispersed, posing a challenge for market players to access and utilize. It’s not that these outputs are unavailable, but rather that they are not adequately known or accessible to those who could leverage them for innovation.
Edillon emphasized the need for an effective knowledge management system for R&D outputs and platforms that guide innovators to the resources they require. This accessibility is vital for fostering a vibrant and dynamic innovation ecosystem in the country.
The National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023-2032 is a crucial blueprint that outlines the goals, roadmap, and strategies for enhancing innovation governance and fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem in the Philippines.
Aside from the technical aspects, Edillon also spoke about the importance of creating a culture of innovation. She highlighted the need for an environment where innovators continuously seek ways to improve products and services, and consumers are receptive to trying innovative products and providing constructive feedback.
As the NIASD 2023-2032 document guides the way forward, NEDA’s continued push for enriching R&D is a clear signal of the country’s commitment to innovation. The planned massive scholarship program, the intended development of a robust knowledge management system, and the goal to foster a culture of innovation are all components of a broader strategy to drive the country's progress.
Innovation has the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve quality of life. By investing in R&D and fostering a culture of innovation, the Philippines is positioning itself to harness this power and create a better future for all its citizens.
In conclusion, the Philippines' future hinges on its ability to innovate. With NEDA at the helm, the country is making significant strides in R&D, paving the way for a more innovative and prosperous future.
No comments:
Post a Comment