Jamaica Gets Support from UNESCO in Mapping STI Landscape

Jamaica is receiving technical support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to support the implementation of the country’s National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STI) Policy.

Under the organisation’s Global Observatory of Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy Instruments (GO-SPIN) methodology, reliable and relevant information about Jamaica’s STI landscape is being generated to monitor and evaluate performance and identify gaps in the operational, legal and institutional STI ecosystem.

This integrated and coordinated approach will identify the baseline from which the new STI Policy will be implemented.

Recently, a workshop was held to validate the findings of the project consultant, which have been compiled in the form of a draft country profile for Jamaica.

The Kingston GO-SPIN Jamaica country profile is the first for a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Caribbean.

Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Hon Daryl Vaz, in a message read by Principal Director of Science in the Ministry, Dr. Natwaine Gardner, highlighted the importance of the GO-SPIN study in informing the planning of targeted activities to significantly improve socioeconomic growth and development through innovation.

“Stemming from the passing of our new National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy in 2022, this further shows our commitment to harnessing the power of innovation and collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges facing our society,” he added.

In her address, UNESCO Director, Dr. Anna Paolini, said the results from GO-SPIN will bolster Jamaica’s STI landscape.

“This endeavour is not merely about developing policy but about fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives and transforms lives… .  This joint effort underscores our collective resolve to integrate STI policies seamlessly into Jamaica’s national development plan.

“By strengthening the STI landscape and enhancing its interface in society, we aim to unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity,” she said, noting it is a critical step in influencing decision-makers to invest more in innovation.