The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation Policies and Instruments for a Paradigm Shift Towards Sustainable Development

Abstract

There is an increased recognition that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) can spur inclusive and sustainable development in multiple ways. For STI to be a driver for sustainable development it is important that Development Agendas are people-centered, creating an enabling environment for the power of STI to be a harness for development. This implies that countries and regions have to develop, implement and monitor their national and regional STI policies and programs that promote knowledge production, dissemination and utilization as well as the development and appropriation of technologies that spur innovation not only at large production facilities but also at grassroots level, involving small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as part of a broader development agenda. These frameworks require that special attention is given to human capital development, a fundamental block of any sustainable development agenda, and to governance mechanisms that promote broader participation in decision making in STI related issues, in particular promoting the participation of vulnerable groups such women, youth, Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and indigenous people. This paper argues that STI policies need to be transversal, cross–cutting policies that support and build the structural pillars for sustainable development and through dialogue, engage the wide range of development stakeholders. It also explores the ways UNESCO intervenes in this strategic area for development through the design, planning, formulation, monitoring and evaluation of national and regional STI strategies and policies (including reforms), as well as thorough building the national and regional capacities in science and in public policy development, and the development of national, regional and global fora on STI and development.