Science, technology and innovation (STI) will be pivotal for Cambodia to meet the ambitions of the Sustainable Development Goals, become an innovation-driven economy, and recover quickly from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, to fully harness the potential of STI and rebuild strategically, evidence-based policies that move beyond the economic imperative and drive inclusive, resilient and sustainable development are essential. Equally, policies that foster a nurturing environment that enables businesses, researchers and innovators to flourish will be fundamental to not leaving anyone behind.

In 2019, the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2020–2030 was adopted to build national capabilities in STI and to strengthen innovation capacity to respond to the fundamental needs of the nation. In 2020, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) was established to lead and coordinate STI initiatives that further develop national capacities in this area, support key stakeholders and create favourable framework conditions.

This report on The Science, Technology and Innovation Ecosystem of Cambodia was produced by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in collaboration with the General Department of Science, Technology & Innovation (GDSTI) of MISTI to support the formulation of national STI policies. It examines the current policy frameworks, key stakeholders, and the strengths and weaknesses of the national innovation system.

Based on the assessment, the report explores five policy strategies to be considered by policymakers: i) enhance the governance structure of the STI system, ii) develop the national STI workforce, iii) strengthen research capacity and quality, iv) increase collaboration and linkages between different actors, and v) foster an enabling environment for innovation.

Furthermore, this assessment also provides the analytical basis for Cambodia’s Science, Technology & Innovation Roadmap 2030, which has been developed by MISTI with the support of ESCAP. This Roadmap will guide government officials and other key stakeholders on the critical actions required to enhance national STI capabilities and nurture a dynamic innovation ecosystem.

Also available in Khmer: ប្រព័ន្ធអេកូឡូស៊ីវិទ្យាសាស្ត្រ បច្ចេកវិទ្យា និង នវានុវត្តន៍កម្ពុជា (download here)