Science, technology, and innovation key to driving growth, addressing global challenges – NEDA

The interdisciplinary coordination of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) will act as a catalyst in driving economic growth and addressing global risks and challenges, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

During the 44TH Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) held on July 13 and 14, 2022, NEDA’s response to the ASM Resolutions emphasized foresight planning and innovation as crucial to the growth and resilience of the country.

“PAGTANAW 2050’s emphasis on foresight is very timely, as foresight planning enables policymakers to be proactive in identifying trends, looking for emerging issues and opportunities, and developing scenarios and strategies. Strategic foresight allows us to look beyond administrations as we navigate toward the collective vision we aspire for our nation,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said.

Balisacan highlighted the need to accelerate and sustain economic growth to achieve Filipinos’ AmBisyon Natin 2040 through innovation.

“In order to transition to a high-income economy, we need to be the source of new ideas and new designs for higher quality products and services…In short, it’s about advancing a culture of innovation in the country,” he said.

Balisacan highlighted that both visions of the National Innovation Agenda (NIA) 2032 of the National Innovation Council (NIC) and the PAGTANAW 2050 endeavor the country to be an innovative and prosperous, maritime nation.

“The PAGTANAW 2050 served as one of our inspirations in drafting the National Innovation Agenda. We also made use of the emerging technologies identified in PAGTANAW 2050 to elaborate on how the future might be like for each of the ten priority sectors listed in the agenda,” he said.

The NEDA chief also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting Science, Technology, and Innovation.

“The formulation of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) will be a good starting point. Let me reiterate that the NEDA fully supports the Resolutions in PAGTANAW 2050 presented by the National Academy in Science and Technology especially in the adoption of foresight in Science, Technology, and Innovation,” he stated.

With the theme “PAGTANAW 2050: Agham Tungo sa Mabuting Kinabukasan”, the 44th ASM centered on sustainable futures and engaged local and international scientists and academicians.

“Indeed, we must promote Science, Technology, and Innovation not just to improve the way we do things today, but to make us better-prepared for whatever the future may bring,” he added.

The two-day annual event was spearheaded by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).