Research And Development Critical For Growth – Stern

Minister of State for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Michael Stern, has said that research and development are critical factors in stimulating innovation, economic growth and competitiveness.

Minister of State for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Michael Stern.

“Through research and development we have learnt new ways of feeding ourselves, developed innovative business ideas and products and provided technical know-how and training to small business owners and operators,” Mr. Stern said.
The State Minister was speaking at the official opening ceremony of the conference for research and innovation managers and administrators in the Caribbean today (Oct. 6) at the Courtleigh Hotel in Kingston.
He said that Jamaica has already begun to see tangible results from the practical application of science, technology and research in the business sector, agro industry, food and nutrition, and other natural products.
He mentioned initiatives to develop renewable energy; improve the breeding techniques of plants such as ginger and yam; the use of nuclear technology; and developing glycemic indices of six Jamaican fruits.
Mr. Stern underscored the government’s commitment to facilitating research and development and expressed confidence that deliberations at the conference will result in the “creation of new pathways of information to improve research and innovation, so that we can continue to meet the national development needs of Jamaica, the wider Caribbean and indeed the world.”
Some of the topics being looked at during the three-day conference include: grant proposal writing fundamentals; introduction to European funding programmes; managing research projects and sponsor relations; and talking to end users.
The event is funded by the European Union and is being hosted by the University of Technology.