SRC Charged to Develop Strategic Plan

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) Board and management have been charged with developing a strategic plan to strengthen Jamaica’s science, technology and innovation capabilities over the next three to five years.

Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Hon. Andrew Wheatley, issued the call as he addressed the SRC Board and Management Retreat at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston, on September 25.

He said the plan should focus on research, human-capacity development and the commercialisation of innovations.

Dr. Wheatley said the plan should attract investment from the Government and donors, while strengthening the country’s scientific workforce and encouraging more students to pursue science and technology from an early age.

The Minister said the SRC has a central role to play in building Jamaica’s innovation capacity and creating an environment that encourages scientists to remain in the country and conduct research.

“Too often we produce brilliant scientists, but we do not provide the environment for them to stay here in Jamaica and do good quality research, for a number of different reasons,” he said.

He noted that, through the Scientific Research Council and the concept of the House of Innovation, the Government is seeking to put in place a structure to support the development and retention of quality scientists by providing financial and other assistance, while encouraging greater private-sector investment in research and development.

Dr. Wheatley also called for greater support for innovators through the SRC’s incubator system, which allows small developers and manufacturers to test and refine their products.

“We now have to be very aggressive with that and provide the necessary support,” he said.

He further urged the Council to explore ways of expanding its institutional capacity to meet demand and strengthen the impact of its research on the lives of Jamaicans.

Meanwhile, SRC Chairman, Robert Lawrence, said the retreat provides an opportunity for the Board to review the institution’s performance and establish a strategic direction for the next five years.

He noted that the Council must strengthen its governance, digital systems and operational processes to support its scientific work and national mandate.

“The work produced across our division is strong, credible and nationally relevant, but the truth we must confront is equally clear, our institutional systems, governance disciplines, digital backbone and operational reliability must now rise to match the quality of the scientific output,” he said.

Mr. Lawrence said the retreat would focus on five priorities: institutional governance, digital transformation, operational reliability, cross-divisional integration, and commercialisation and national impact.

He said the Council must establish a structured pathway for moving research from the development of prototypes to market adoption, supported by market intelligence and partnerships.

For her part, SRC Executive Director, Dr. Charah Watson, said the institution recognises the importance of aligning its work with national development priorities and strengthening public understanding of science and technology.

She emphasised the need for effective science communication to help citizens understand the Council’s work and how they can participate in the innovation process.

Dr. Watson said the SRC remains committed to supporting Jamaica’s innovation ecosystem and enhancing the impact of its work on stakeholders.

She noted that the Council recognises the need to strengthen its support for innovators and ensure that its work delivers meaningful benefits to the public.