POLICY ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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POLICY ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• BY M.B. WILLIAMS
• DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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AIM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY

• A tool or key to build up competences and
  competitiveness and assist the nation to achieve
  highest added value, efficiency and productivity
  in the delivery of goods and services through the
  use of science and technology.

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Policy Formulation Process

• The Lesothos first Science and Technology Policy
  is the consensus view, derived from a long,
  thorough and open consultation process that
  engaged all key stakeholders, from all walks of
  life.

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Stages of Policy Formulation Process

• This policy formulation process was undertaken
  through various stages namely
  
• needs assessment, ST situation analysis,
  sectoral consultations including Parliamentarian
  round table as well as district consultations.
  The main aim was to build a sense of ownership
  and to develop a policy that is based on national
  needs and objectives.

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Policy Formulation Process Cont.

• The process among others included the formation
  of the National Taskforce that comprised of
  representatives from all ST sector. The mandate
  of the Task Force was steer the process and build
  the capacity of the Department of Science and
  Technology.

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Policy Formulation Process Cont.

• The consultative process continued on various
  levels. The Department of Science and Technology
  through UNESCO commissioned a consultancy
  exercise ,where a group of local experts in
  research and development, together with the
  department carried out district consultative
  workshops country-wide.

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Players

• Government of Lesotho
• UNESCO
• ATPS
• UNIDO
• UNECA
• UNCSTD
• Local Scientific Community
• Basotho-at-large

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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF THE ST POLICY

• Foster stronger ST human resource base
• Develop a culture of innovation and creativity
• Create job opportunities and alleviate poverty
• Build a Vibrant information soceity
• Promote and commercialize IKS

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THE SIX PILLARS WHICH ST POLICY SHOULD ADDRESS

• What are the basic needs, strengths and resources
  of the nation?
  
• How can ST be applied to harness the Countrys
  material base and wealth?
  
• Which sectors and in what order should Lesotho
  stake its financial and ST resources?
  
• What are Lesothos most urgent priority areas for
  technological skills and which are the best
  models and facilities to provide?
  

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THE SIX PILLARS cont.

• How can ST assist Lesotho rationalize the scarce
  resources and balance its socio economic
  imperatives?
  
• What strategies should Lesotho Government and
  Private Sector employ to enhance development of
  science and technology?
  

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THE STRUCTURE OF THE ST POLICY

• The Policy Environment  
• 1. Context to the Science and Technology
  Development
  
• 1.1         Capacity to sustain science and
  technology including Socio-economic
  considerations
  
• 1.2         Development Challenges
• 1.3         Economic Opportunities and Areas for
  ST Focus
  
• 1.4         Rationale for Lesothos ST
  Policy
  

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THE STRUCTURE OF THE ST POLICY cont.

• 2. The Science and Technology Policy
• 2.1  National Framework for ST Development
  
  
• 2.2  Integrating Basotho Core Values
• 2.3  Basotho National Vision
  
  2.4  Principles Guiding
  the ST Policy
• 2.5  Vision for Science and Technology
• 2.5.1 Lesotho ST Mission
• 2.5.2 ST Strategic Objectives
• 2.5.3 ST Core Policies Issues
• 2.5.4 ST Policy Implementation
• 2.5.5 Core ST Sector Issues
• 2.5.6 General ST Sector Strategies

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THE STRUCTURE OF THE ST POLICY cont.

• 3. Strategic Framework for ST Policy
  Implementation
  
• 3.1 Research Development Prioritization
• 3.2 Fiscal and Other Incentives
• 3.3 Strategy for ST
  Funding
  
• 3.4 Legal and Administrative Support
• 3.5 Institutional Arrangement for policy
  implementation
  
• 3.5.1 Ministry of Communications,
  Science and Technology
  
• 3.5.2 Department for Science and
  Technology
  
•  

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THE STRUCTURE OF THE ST POLICY cont.

• 3.6 Policy Facilitation
  
  
• 3.6.1 Ministry Responsible for
  Education and Training
  
• 3.6.2 Ministry Responsible for
  Industry, Trade and Marketing
  
• 3.6.3 Ministry Responsible for
  Agriculture, Land Reclamation and Food Security
  
  
• 3.6.4 Ministry Responsible for Health
  and Social Welfare
  
• 
  
  
• 3.6.5 Ministry Responsible for
  Natural Resources
  
• 3.6.6 Ministry Responsible for Tourism,
  Culture and Environment
  
• 3.6.6 The Private Sector and
  Parastatals
  
• 3.6.7 Civic Organizations and
  Consumer Associations
  
• 3.6.8 NGOs, Regional and
  International Agencies

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THE STRUCTURE OF THE ST POLICY cont.

• 3.7 Cross Cutting Issues
• 3.7.1 Biotechnology
• 3.7.2 Brain Drain
• 3.7.3 Standards and Quality Assurance
• 3.7.4 Gender Equity in ST

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Implementation Phase ST POLICY

• New S T Institutions
• Lesotho Commission on Science Technology
  (LCST)
  
• ST Innovation Trust Fund (
  Foundation)
  

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Components of the Inno-Fund

• Lesotho Innovation Trust Fund
• Science Fund
• Technology Fund
• Innovation Fund

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ANNEXTURES

• Sector strategies to integrate science and
  technology
  
• ExampleInformation and Communication
  Technologies (Sector dynamics, sector policy
  focus and sector strategies)

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Implementation Stage

• Role of UNESCO
• Formulation process
• Publication (review) and Circulation
• Technical Backstopping/Assistance for
  Institutional Framework and Setting a sound ST
  System Dr. Arnaldo Ventura from Jamaica
  
• National Consultations through a National
  Taskforce
  
• Draft Legal Framework and Bill (2008)

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Conclusion

• Policy formulation is indeed a process. It needs
  resilience, perseverance and dedication but,
  above all, readiness to the challenge is policy
  implementation and pragmatic action-oriented
  strategies, integration into the national system
  of innovation, in line with national goals and
  objectives , which in turn should improve the
  well being of Lesotho Citizens

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