Gov’t Creating Supportive Framework for Science and Technology
By: October 28, 2016 ,The Key Point:
The Facts
- Minister of Science, Energy, and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, said the move is critical in creating the enabling environment that will increase the contribution of science and technology to national progress.
- Dr. Wheatley said the strategy for the science portfolio includes encouraging research as the basis for decision-making, the commercialisation of research and innovation, encouraging the innovative use and application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by private enterprises and Government, and the establishment of a dynamic and responsive national innovation system.
The Full Story
The Government will be putting policies, laws and regulations in place to foster the development of the local science and technology sector.
Minister of Science, Energy, and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, said the move is critical in creating the enabling environment that will increase the contribution of science and technology to national progress.
“This includes undertaking strategies to bolster our capacity for research and development, and applying and adapting science and technology to practical and productive uses. These strategies are key to laying the foundation for our long-term transition to a knowledge-based society and innovation-based economy that is globally competitive,” he said.
He was speaking at the Proclamation ceremony for Science and Technology Month held on October 25 at King’s House. The month is being observed in November under the theme ‘Science, Technology and Innovation: Stimuli for Health, Wealth and Wellness’.
Dr. Wheatley said the strategy for the science portfolio includes encouraging research as the basis for decision-making, the commercialisation of research and innovation, encouraging the innovative use and application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by private enterprises and Government, and the establishment of a dynamic and responsive national innovation system.
This system will be responsible for the flow of technology and information among people, enterprises and institutions, which is key to encouraging innovation at the national level.
Science and Technology Month is being organised by the Scientific Research Council (SRC) and the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST).
Activities will commence with a service on October 30 at the Saxthorpe Methodist Church in Kingston and continue on November 3 with Tech Fest at the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library.
The 4th Biennial Science and Technology Conference will take place on November 14 and 15 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, followed by the National Innovations Awards on November 16, and Science in the Gardens at the Hope Botanical Gardens on November 24.