Kathmandu: Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Mahabir Pun has called upon Nepali experts, researchers and professionals from all over the world to actively contribute to Nepal’s innovation journey. He emphasized that for the economic transformation of Nepal, the knowledge, skills and experience of Nepalis living abroad should be linked with national development.
Speaking at a discussion program with experts, researchers, educationists and Nepali professionals working abroad, Minister Pun said that the newly formed ministry is now “starting from zero” and said that the cooperation of Nepali experts from home and abroad is indispensable for its institutional development.
“Our aim is to develop innovation that benefits the nation and strengthens the economy,” said Minister Pun. “We should give priority to capable Nepalis abroad and create an environment to connect their knowledge and experience with Nepal.”
Admitting that the ministry has not yet prepared a dedicated technical team, a clear work structure and the necessary legal basis, he said that within the next three months, the goal is to transform research in the university into practical and production-oriented research with the establishment of institutional structures.
Pointing out the need to establish Innovation Centers and Centers of Excellence in Nepali universities, Minister Pun also informed that there are plans to establish research centers with residential facilities for researchers involved in serious research.
He also said that since the law related to Nepal Science and Technology Pragya Pratishthan (NAST) is outdated, initiatives have been started to amend it in line with time.
Mentioning that Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are Nepal’s national priorities, he informed that even the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers is promoting these areas with special priority.
In the discussion, distinguished scientists, researchers and policy experts from Nepal and abroad expressed their views on making science, technology and innovation the main basis of economic development of Nepal.
Australia-based CSIRO (Food and Agriculture) consultant and RMIT University professor Dr. Presenting a long-term science and technology strategy for Nepal, Raju Adhikari said artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biological technology, climate science, agricultural technology, disaster risk reduction, advanced materials, water and environmental technology, robotics and space technology should be promoted as priority areas.
Dr. Adhikari suggested the creation of a National S&T Innovation Co-Investment Fund, a high-level science, technology, research and innovation advisory council and a 10-year national strategic roadmap. He also stressed on the need to promote research partnerships between industry, universities and the non-resident Nepali (NRN) community and arrange an investment-friendly tax policy.
Dr. Adhikari said that the science and technology policy of 2019 is outdated, low investment in research, weak institutional leadership, lack of scientific infrastructure, talent flight and poor implementation of the policy are the main challenges of Nepal.
In the panel discussion, the dean of Chester University in the UK and public health expert Dr. Padam Simkhada said that there is a lot of potential for cooperation with the UK government, universities and research institutions in the formulation of national innovation policy, effective management of research funds and climate change, sustainability and new technologies.
Ganesh Acharya, a professor working at Karolinska University Hospital Center for Fetal Medicine in Sweden, said that long-term commitment of the government, protection of intellectual property (IP), development of research infrastructure and policy continuity are necessary to conduct world-class clinical research in Nepal. He also said that he is ready to cooperate with the ministry.
Bhupesh Mishra, an assistant professor at the University of Hull in the UK, pointed out that a domain-specific artificial intelligence policy is needed, especially in sensitive areas such as health and education, and suggested not to rely only on the western-oriented AI model. He opined that a regional AI model should be developed according to the needs of Nepal and South Asia.
Rajendra Dahal, a senior journalist and editor of Teacher Monthly, stressed on the need to develop the culture of innovation from the school level and said that teacher training and technology-friendly environment should be created in schools.
Sanjay Paudel, Chief Advisor to Minister Pun, informed that the policies and responsibilities related to NAST are being transferred from the Prime Minister’s Office to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and suggested that the research structure of NAST should be reorganized and a science and innovation service system should be developed. He said that a National Center of Knowledge and Expertise should be established to work for the public interest and the role of the Research Center for Applied Science and Technology (Rikast) should also be reviewed.
The Ministry has committed to coordinate the research units of each Ministry, prepare a reference book for experts, establish a separate mechanism to collaborate with non-resident Nepalese and international markets, and prepare a national science vision with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
In the discussion, it was concluded that the knowledge, experience and participation of Nepali experts from all over the world will be the main basis for the success of this campaign, expressing a common commitment to make science, technology and innovation the main basis of economic transformation of Nepal.
The discussion was coordinated and facilitated by Harikrishna Neupane, the European consultant of the National Innovation Center and Chief Engineer of Microsoft’s London office.
