Innovation, along with scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements, are needed to meet the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Asia and the Pacific is home to some of the most dynamic, pioneering and innovative countries in the world but also to some of the most technologically deprived.

The design of science, technology and innovation (STI) policies matters as they influence the diffusion of technologies and their economic, social and environmental impact. Carefully designed interventions enable countries, firms and citizens to take advantage of available technologies. Well-crafted public actions encourage innovations that support productivity growth, respond to social needs and address environmental concerns.

The challenge is to design relevant localised STI policies that leverage STI for achieving national development goals, to ensure that STI leaves one behind and to maximise the opportunities of frontier technology while anticipate its negative effects.

The new Asia-Pacific research and training network on STI policy ARTNET on STI Policy will support research to design locally-relevant policies that can leverage science, technology and innovation as powerful engines for sustainable development in Asia-Pacific.

ARTNET on STI Policy is an initiative of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) with support from the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI), Republic of Korea.

This side-event will announce the establishment of the network and invite interested stakeholders to participate.

You can find the presentation here.