Private Sector Urged to Take Lead in Research and Development
By: , October 27, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Melroy Sterling
Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley (second left), speaking at the launch of Science and Technology Month at the Scientific Research Council (SRC), on October 26. The Minister called on the private sector to lead the way in research and development. Others (from left) are Director General of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST), Professor the Hon. Errol Morrison; Executive Director of the SRC, Dr. Cliff Riley and Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager at the SRC, Roselyn Fisher.The Facts
- Dr. Wheatley pointed out that a major inhibitor to research and development is funding.
- The Minister added that the administration will be exploring the commercialisation of research and innovation.
The Full Story
Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, is urging the private sector to lead the way in research and development, in an effort to foster economic growth in the country.
“The Government will create the legislative and policy framework; however, the private sector needs to take up the challenge of investing in research and development,” the Minister said, while speaking at a press briefing to launch Science and Technology Month (November), at the Scientific Research Council (SRC), today (October 26).
Dr. Wheatley pointed out that a major inhibitor to research and development is funding.
He said the Government will be encouraging research as the basis for decision-making as well as integrating science and technology into all areas of development.
The Minister added that the administration will be exploring the commercialisation of research and innovation.
“We are more users of technology than creators, and we want to shift that mindset and become innovators,” he said.
Dr. Wheatley pointed out that the Economic Growth Council “will be looking to the areas of Science, Technology and Innovation as an opportunity to have true economic growth in our country”.
He emphasised that Jamaica has the fundamentals to create a strong scientific base, and that “what we need is the owning of a culture that encourages research and innovation”.
In the meantime, the Minister said that by 2017 the Government will finalise the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, which is a critical tool for the development of the sector.