Key Issues
Background
Technical progress and advances in scientific knowledge are recognized as underpinnings of long-term, sustained economic growth. An increase in factor accumulation (labour and capital) can sharply improve economic performance in the short run, but further gains in economic growth and welfare will be determined by technological innovations and the related increase in factor productivity.
It is, therefore, important for developing countries to develop capabilities to innovate, to have access to sources of innovation and new technologies, and to develop capabilities to use technologies to enhance productivity.
In addition, the global economy is facing looming threats of climate change and energy shortages, which can slow down global growth. These global challenges will also need innovative technological responses in terms of environmentally friendly technologies, energy conservation technologies, as well as technologies to produce renewable sources of energy.
Purpose
The round table will debate policies and initiatives at the national and international levels. Panellists will address the following questions:
- What are the national and international strategies for the development of sustainable knowledge and skills? How can international cooperation contribute to the transfer of technology and knowledge?
- How big is the knowledge and technology gap between developed and developing countries, and in what ways can new technologies (ICT) help to catch up? What policies and institutional framework can be implemented to enhance access to and use of ICT for productivity gains and social benefits?
- How can participation of developing countries in the international research partnerships and projects to address current and future global challenges be assured?
- What actions can be taken at the international level to reduce the knowledge gap - a technology fund, more focus on innovation and knowledge in bilateral and multilateral development cooperation programmes, a global network to share knowledge (for example, under United Nations auspices)? How can the private sector, and especially international companies, contribute to international initiatives to enhance science and technology in developing countries?
Expected outcome
To identify how domestic efforts - to develop institutions, infrastructure and policy and regulatory framework - may be combined with international cooperation efforts to facilitate the generation, use and sharing of knowledge and innovation.
In other words, the key challenge is how to harness knowledge for development.