Nepal S&T and Its Future Nepal S&T and Its Future ProspectsProspects

Raju AdhikariRaju AdhikariPrincipal Research ScientistPrincipal Research Scientist

CSIRO Molecular Science and Health Technologies CSIRO Molecular Science and Health Technologies (Former Senior Scientist, NAST)(Former Senior Scientist, NAST)

OutlineOutline

Part IPart I– Global R&D overviewGlobal R&D overview– Australian R&D- Public sectorAustralian R&D- Public sector– S&T IndicatorsS&T Indicators– S&T VisionS&T Vision

Part IIPart II– S&T-Development in NepalS&T-Development in Nepal– NAST- A Case StudyNAST- A Case Study– S&T Poor Performance: Main ReasonsS&T Poor Performance: Main Reasons

Part IIIPart III– S&T: New VisionS&T: New Vision– Way ForwardWay Forward– NRN Role in S&TNRN Role in S&T– S&T Networking- New ApproachS&T Networking- New Approach– Proposed StructureProposed Structure– S&T and Education in 2008 BudgetS&T and Education in 2008 Budget

ConclusionConclusion

Global R&D SpendingGlobal R&D Spending

An overview: World R&DAn overview: World R&D

International Patent:International Patent:A Key Indicator of R&D outcomeA Key Indicator of R&D outcome

Source of R&D FundsSource of R&D Funds

R&D WorkforceR&D Workforce

S&T IndicatorsS&T Indicators

R&D budget (% of GDP)R&D budget (% of GDP)R& D expenses R& D expenses R&D capabilities (Manpower and Infrastructure)R&D capabilities (Manpower and Infrastructure)– Number of graduates/post graduates and PhDNumber of graduates/post graduates and PhD

R&D facilities (Equipment and Infrastructure)R&D facilities (Equipment and Infrastructure)Strong linkages between public, private and Strong linkages between public, private and academia sectors academia sectors Number of patents and publicationsNumber of patents and publicationsR&D manpowerR&D manpowerCollaborations (National and International)Collaborations (National and International)

S&T VisionS&T Vision

Government long term commitment (NASA, NIH)Government long term commitment (NASA, NIH)Scientific leaders in innovation and creationScientific leaders in innovation and creationCentre of innovation and technology excellenceCentre of innovation and technology excellenceGenerate opportunities to retain or attract talentsGenerate opportunities to retain or attract talentsU.S.-40 % of global (R&D), 70 % world’s Nobel Prize U.S.-40 % of global (R&D), 70 % world’s Nobel Prize winners, 3 quarter of world’s top 40 universities. winners, 3 quarter of world’s top 40 universities. Private sector lead rolePrivate sector lead roleA visionary R&D in key S&T areas A visionary R&D in key S&T areas – Information technology (Q dots, OLED, Softwares, Wireless Information technology (Q dots, OLED, Softwares, Wireless

network)network)– Medical technology (No sutures, Injection, Targeted drug delivery, Medical technology (No sutures, Injection, Targeted drug delivery,

Gene technology, Diagnostic (Protein markers), Regenerative Gene technology, Diagnostic (Protein markers), Regenerative medicinemedicine

– Nano technologyNano technology

Australian R&DAustralian R&D

R&D budget in 2008 - 10 billion AUDR&D budget in 2008 - 10 billion AUDIndustrial R&D expense accounts for 0.9% Industrial R&D expense accounts for 0.9% of GDP of GDP Industrial R&D is focused on Automotive Industrial R&D is focused on Automotive and Biotechnology (and Biotechnology (Agriculture, Agriculture, VeterinaryVeterinary) sectors.) sectors.Government share 50% of the total R&D Government share 50% of the total R&D investmentinvestmentR&D manpower is > 70,000R&D manpower is > 70,000

Australia: Public Sector R&DAustralia: Public Sector R&D3 Public Research Institutes, CSIRO, ANSTO 3 Public Research Institutes, CSIRO, ANSTO and AIMS and AIMS 63 cooperative research centres (CRC) were 63 cooperative research centres (CRC) were established nationally to strengthen the linkage established nationally to strengthen the linkage between university, industry, and research between university, industry, and research instituteinstitute6 National Flagship projects in key areas 6 National Flagship projects in key areas Energy, Metal, Health, Niche Manufacturing, Energy, Metal, Health, Niche Manufacturing, Environment and Energy to address national Environment and Energy to address national issues issues S&T agreements with 11 countries and 3 S&T agreements with 11 countries and 3 international organizationsinternational organizationsWeakness is in manufacturing industry, Weakness is in manufacturing industry, university industry linkage, and S&T university industry linkage, and S&T manpower.manpower.

Nepal S&T-DevelopmentNepal S&T-Development

Ministry of Science and Technology A revised Science and Technology Policy

1966

1991

1991

National Council Science and Technology (NCST) for Scientific Research

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)Integration of local S&T Capabilities and Activities Concept of National laboratories

Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC)

2005

National Health Research Council (NHRC)

1956-1966

1980-1985

Development Plan 1956- Infrastructure for S&T activities, Govt Departments, TU University

R&D ActivitiesR&D Activities

PublicUniversity - 4

TU, KU, PU, PU Autonomous-2 Private

Govt DepartmentCentre

AgricultureAgriculture

HealthHealth

Biodiversity and Biodiversity and

plant resourcesplant resources

ForestryForestry

HydrologyHydrology

Meteorology surveyMeteorology survey

Alternate Energy Alternate Energy Promotion Centre Promotion Centre (AEPC)(AEPC)National Information National Information Technology Centre Technology Centre (NITC)(NITC)

Institute of agriculture Institute of agriculture and animal Science and animal ScienceInstitute of engineeringInstitute of engineeringInstitute of forestryInstitute of forestryInstitute of medicineInstitute of medicineResearch centre for Research centre for applied science and applied science and technology (RECAST)technology (RECAST)

Nepal academy of Nepal academy of Science and Technology (NAST)- 2 Science and Technology (NAST)- 2 DepartmentsDepartmentsNepal Agriculture Research Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC)- 18 Research centreCouncil (NARC)- 18 Research centre

100 companiesAgricultureAlternate energy Medical

Professional Societies

Private

15 in Agriculture sector15 in Agriculture sectorAlternate Energy CompaniesAlternate Energy Companies

18 Solar thermal installation18 Solar thermal installation64-biogas construction companies64-biogas construction companies

Medical CompaniesMedical Companies

Nepal Netrajyoti Nepal Netrajyoti SanghSanghTilganga Eye CentreTilganga Eye Centre

Agro Enterprises Centre, Botanical EnterprisesAgro Enterprises Centre, Botanical EnterprisesCosmos Herbal Product, Green Energy Mission, Cosmos Herbal Product, Green Energy Mission, Himalayan Flora-tech, International Quality Herbal Industries, Himalayan Flora-tech, International Quality Herbal Industries, Microplant Pvt. Ltd, Nepal Biotech Nursery, Microplant Pvt. Ltd, Nepal Biotech Nursery, Dabur Nepal, King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation, Dabur Nepal, King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation, Research Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology and BiochemistryResearch Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology and BiochemistryResources Himalaya, Biodiversity Study Centre, Institute of Biodiversity of NepalResources Himalaya, Biodiversity Study Centre, Institute of Biodiversity of Nepal

Professional Societies- 1995 DataProfessional Societies- 1995 Data

Nepal Science Association in 1956Nepal Science Association in 195696 Professional Societies 96 Professional Societies Largest AssociationsLargest Associations– Nepal Engineers Association (Members > Nepal Engineers Association (Members >

3500)3500)– Nepal Medical Association, Members > Nepal Medical Association, Members >

30003000

Internal publications: Internal publications: – Professional Societies Journals (37)Professional Societies Journals (37)– National S&T Conference National S&T Conference

48 papers in 1982 to 502 in 2004.48 papers in 1982 to 502 in 2004.

R&D Budget and Expenditure- in US$R&D Budget and Expenditure- in US$

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

Amount in US$

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

Year

GNP B$ R&D expenditure M$ R&D, % of GNP

0.28

0.37

0.480.41

0.33

0.271990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

Exchange Rate US$ 1= NRs 75UNESCO (2005)

R&D Manpower- 1995R&D Manpower- 1995

Number

12019

6266

5591

4120

Eng/IT

Chem and natural Sciences

Medical and Bio Sciences

Agri, Forestry, Environ, Food Tech

Source UNESCO 2005

S &T Apex Body- NASTS &T Apex Body- NAST

A Case StudyA Case Study

RONAST/NAST- ObjectivesRONAST/NAST- Objectives

Advancement of science and technology Advancement of science and technology for all round development of the nation for all round development of the nation

Preservation and further modernization of Preservation and further modernization of indigenous technologies indigenous technologies

Promotion of research in science and Promotion of research in science and technology technology

Identification and facilitation of appropriate Identification and facilitation of appropriate technology transfer technology transfer

RONAST/NAST: Function-15RONAST/NAST: Function-15The specific functions of NAST are to: The specific functions of NAST are to: - Undertake studies/reports on the - Undertake studies/reports on the achievements of S&T in the country. achievements of S&T in the country. Advise the Government on formulation technology transfer policy and its Advise the Government on formulation technology transfer policy and its implementation. implementation. Implement S&T programs in collaboration with national and international Implement S&T programs in collaboration with national and international organizations. organizations. Conduct and promote research in priority areas of science and technology. Conduct and promote research in priority areas of science and technology. Collect and disseminate S&T information through a central S&T Information Collect and disseminate S&T information through a central S&T Information System. System. Organize seminars and conferences on S&T topics and help facilitate S&T Organize seminars and conferences on S&T topics and help facilitate S&T publications. publications. Establish and strengthen linkages with regional and international institutions in Establish and strengthen linkages with regional and international institutions in order to promote mutual cooperation. order to promote mutual cooperation. Mobilize internal and external resources both financial and technical, for S&T Mobilize internal and external resources both financial and technical, for S&T development as well as to carry out the activities of the Academy. development as well as to carry out the activities of the Academy. Give recognition to outstanding individual and institutional contribution for Give recognition to outstanding individual and institutional contribution for development, promotion and application of S&T. development, promotion and application of S&T. Enhance public awareness towards the importance and usefulness of S&T as well Enhance public awareness towards the importance and usefulness of S&T as well as to create conditions conducive for S&T application. as to create conditions conducive for S&T application. Advise Government of Nepal on S&T development programs. Advise Government of Nepal on S&T development programs. Advise Government of Nepal on the establishment of new institutions or Advise Government of Nepal on the establishment of new institutions or laboratories for S&T related research and development. laboratories for S&T related research and development. Provide financial and technical assistance for the establishment and development Provide financial and technical assistance for the establishment and development of new S&T institutions/laboratories. of new S&T institutions/laboratories. Set up centres for S&T related innovations and innovative models. Set up centres for S&T related innovations and innovative models. Undertake all necessary measures to achieve the goals and objectives of the Undertake all necessary measures to achieve the goals and objectives of the Academy. Academy.

NAST-StructureNAST-Structure

NAST AgreementsNAST Agreements

Institutions Agreement signed Tribhuvan University , Kirtipur B.S. 2057/12/21 Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel B.S. 2057/12/28 Mahendra Sanskrit University, Dang B.S. 2056/05/18 Purwanchal University, Biratnagar B.S. 2059/01/17 BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan

B.S. 2058/03/21

Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

B.S. 2058/09/10

Alternate Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) B.S. 2057/12/10

Institutions Agreement signed

Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) October 1, 1986

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences March 2, 2001

Korean Academy of Science and Technology September 24, 2003

Chinese Academy of Sciences March 24, 2004

Indian National Science Academy (INSA), India October 20, 2002

Hungarian Academy of Sciences November 9, 2003

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India

October 24, 2002

Consiglio Nazionale della Recerche (CNR), Italy November1,1991

Institute de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), France

May 14, 2001

University of Freiburg, Germany October 10, 2001

University of Zurich, Switzerland May, 19, 2003

University of Tokyo, Japan July 28, 1999

Natural History Museum, UK July 9, 1999

Royal Botanical Garden, Edinburgh July 9, 1999

The Academy of Sciences of Iran September 25, 2003

The Bangladesh Academy of Sciences March 24, 2004

National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata , India

June 26, 2002

Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India February 12, 1997

Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India February 14, 1997

Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand February 9, 2004

The University of Strthclyde, UK April 30, 1999

National8

International21

NAST AgreementsNAST Agreements

International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU).International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU).International Foundations of Sciences (IFS). International International Foundations of Sciences (IFS). International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Federation of Asian Scientific Academies and Societies Federation of Asian Scientific Academies and Societies (FASAS). (FASAS). Information Network on New and Renewable Energy Information Network on New and Renewable Energy Resources and Technology for Asia and the Pacific Resources and Technology for Asia and the Pacific (INNERTAP) (INNERTAP) Centre for Science and Technology of Non-Aligned Centre for Science and Technology of Non-Aligned Countries Countries ( NAM ) ( NAM ) Association for Science Cooperation in Asia (ASCA) Association for Science Cooperation in Asia (ASCA) Science and Technology Policy Asian Network (STEPAN) Science and Technology Policy Asian Network (STEPAN) Association of Asia 's Scientific Academies (AASA) Association of Asia 's Scientific Academies (AASA) International Development Research Centre (IDRC)International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Publications -200 in 25 yearsPublications -200 in 25 yearsVigyan Lekhmala since 1986Vigyan Lekhmala since 1986 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology since 1999 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology since 1999 Proceedings SAARC Workshop on Biofertilizer Technology, 1989 Proceedings SAARC Workshop on Biofertilizer Technology, 1989 Proceedings Discussion Forum on Pollution Preventing Strategies for the Kathmandu Proceedings Discussion Forum on Pollution Preventing Strategies for the Kathmandu Valley , 1995 Valley , 1995 Citrus Greening Disease: A Compiled Study, 1990 Citrus Greening Disease: A Compiled Study, 1990 Proceedings of Workshop on Indigenous Technological Capabilities of Industry Level, Proceedings of Workshop on Indigenous Technological Capabilities of Industry Level, 1993 1993 Proceedings of IInd National Conference on Science & Technology, 1994 –Proceedings of IInd National Conference on Science & Technology, 1994 –Endogenous Capacity Building in S & T Development in Nepal , Vol. II, 1996 Endogenous Capacity Building in S & T Development in Nepal , Vol. II, 1996 Proceedings of IIIrd National Conference on Science & Technology, 1999 - Ramaila Proceedings of IIIrd National Conference on Science & Technology, 1999 - Ramaila Prayogharu (In Nepali), B.S. 2055 Prayogharu (In Nepali), B.S. 2055 Urja Ra Urjaka ka Shrotharu, (In Nepali) B.S. 2055 Urja Ra Urjaka ka Shrotharu, (In Nepali) B.S. 2055 Science and Technology in Nepal 2001 Science and Technology in Nepal 2001 Proceedings of International Seminar on Mountains, 2002 Proceedings of International Seminar on Mountains, 2002 Status Paper on Zoology, Statistics, Forestry, Plant Sciences - 4th National Status Paper on Zoology, Statistics, Forestry, Plant Sciences - 4th National Conference on Science and Technology: Abstracts, 2004 Conference on Science and Technology: Abstracts, 2004

Research ActivitiesResearch ActivitiesBiotechnology programs Biotechnology programs

– Conservation of Aromatic and medicinal plantConservation of Aromatic and medicinal plant– Molecular Diagnostic of Citrus greening Disease Molecular Diagnostic of Citrus greening Disease – Molecular characterization of Medicinal plants  -Tea clones  -Molecular characterization of Medicinal plants  -Tea clones  -Bacillus thuringinsis Bacillus thuringinsis – Research on Organic farmingResearch on Organic farming– Antagonistic Study of Ectomycorrhiza -Study of the role of Endomycorrhiza Antagonistic Study of Ectomycorrhiza -Study of the role of Endomycorrhiza

Natural products researchNatural products research– Bioprospecting of Bioprospecting of Cordyceps sinensisCordyceps sinensis-Biopesticides study program -Analytical services -Biopesticides study program -Analytical services

Environment and Radiation researchEnvironment and Radiation research – Microbial analysis of tap water, mineral water milk, soft drink and others -Chemical Microbial analysis of Microbial analysis of tap water, mineral water milk, soft drink and others -Chemical Microbial analysis of

ground water -Detection of arsenic in ground water and removal of iron and arsenic. - Radiation hazards ground water -Detection of arsenic in ground water and removal of iron and arsenic. - Radiation hazards assessment in hospitals and nursing homes in Nepal . assessment in hospitals and nursing homes in Nepal .

High altitude sciencesHigh altitude sciences – Study of mushroom diversity and its economic value in Sagarmatha National Park Area. -Local Study of mushroom diversity and its economic value in Sagarmatha National Park Area. -Local

knowledge and ethnomedicinal botany of high altitude plants in Sagarmatha National Park Nepal . knowledge and ethnomedicinal botany of high altitude plants in Sagarmatha National Park Nepal . – Distribution of C 3 and C 4 plants along environmental gradients in Eastern Himalayas of Nepal . -Ev-K²-Distribution of C 3 and C 4 plants along environmental gradients in Eastern Himalayas of Nepal . -Ev-K²-

CNR Committee CNR Committee

Technology application and developmentTechnology application and development – Research works on Briquetting TechnologyResearch works on Briquetting Technology– Study on Solar Pump -Instrumentation Centre Study on Solar Pump -Instrumentation Centre

NAST: HistoryNAST: HistoryRONAST established during Panchyat time as an Apex RONAST established during Panchyat time as an Apex Coordinating Body in S&T (Non working Academy)Coordinating Body in S&T (Non working Academy)VC - Non Scientist (PhD in Geography)VC - Non Scientist (PhD in Geography)Absolute power and large budgetAbsolute power and large budgetAgreements signed with overseas public S&T Agreements signed with overseas public S&T organizationsorganizationsRONAST jobs – not permanent RONAST jobs – not permanent Democracy in 1992 triggered uprisingDemocracy in 1992 triggered uprisingChange in political system changed RONAST structureChange in political system changed RONAST structureNew structure introduced without proper consultation and New structure introduced without proper consultation and discussiondiscussionAppointment of Academician from representative political Appointment of Academician from representative political parties polarized the Academy’s functioningparties polarized the Academy’s functioningAcademician appointed lifetime with no clear role and Academician appointed lifetime with no clear role and responsibilitiesresponsibilitiesS&T failure- Linked to Panchyat regimeS&T failure- Linked to Panchyat regime

NAST Achievements in 25 YearsNAST Achievements in 25 Years

NAST own building at Khumaltar (85 ropanies)NAST own building at Khumaltar (85 ropanies)New building with old visionNew building with old visionMany Academicians and no projectsMany Academicians and no projectsMany awards and grants Many awards and grants PhD fellowships program with University PhD fellowships program with University National S&T Conference every 4 yearsNational S&T Conference every 4 yearsRadio program (Science Quiz, Interviews)Radio program (Science Quiz, Interviews)Science Learning Centre (SLC) launchedScience Learning Centre (SLC) launchedNational Forensic Laboratory establishedNational Forensic Laboratory establishedNational Instrumentation Centre ?National Instrumentation Centre ?High Altitude Research Laboratory-established High Altitude Research Laboratory-established Few In-house projectsFew In-house projectsTalk Program, Meet your scientist programTalk Program, Meet your scientist programWorkshop and seminarWorkshop and seminar

A Classic Example of a Failed ProjectA Classic Example of a Failed Project

Advanced Natural Products Research Laboratory (ANPRL)-Advanced Natural Products Research Laboratory (ANPRL)- Identified as a National project in health sector Identified as a National project in health sector Aligned with policies of establishing national laboratoryAligned with policies of establishing national laboratoryAimed to provide a centralized R&D facilities with modern Aimed to provide a centralized R&D facilities with modern Instrumentations (NMR/GC/GC-MS, SEM, FTIR )Instrumentations (NMR/GC/GC-MS, SEM, FTIR )Organised an International conference Organised an International conference Princess Chulabhorn, Mahidol university agreed to jointly Princess Chulabhorn, Mahidol university agreed to jointly fund this project with support from International communityfund this project with support from International communityProposal submitted to Mahidol University through Proposal submitted to Mahidol University through Chancellor officeChancellor officeChange in Political system in 1992Change in Political system in 1992Project collapsed and never followed upProject collapsed and never followed upNepal doesn’t have necessary equipment such as Nepal doesn’t have necessary equipment such as NMR/Mass Spectrometry/SEM etc necessary for R&D workNMR/Mass Spectrometry/SEM etc necessary for R&D work

NAST- Main Reasons for Poor NAST- Main Reasons for Poor PerformancesPerformances

No defined role and responsibility (Working or Non No defined role and responsibility (Working or Non working academy)working academy)Broad agreements Broad agreements Failed leadershipFailed leadershipNo new initiatives and visionNo new initiatives and visionWorking in isolation Working in isolation Academician out of touch and no raw modelAcademician out of touch and no raw modelPower equation to become VC Power equation to become VC Political appointments (Academician and VC)Political appointments (Academician and VC)Nepotism and poor governanceNepotism and poor governanceNo initiatives or program for NRN S&T manpower No initiatives or program for NRN S&T manpower ( A global resources with new blood and ideas)( A global resources with new blood and ideas)Small In-house projects with poor funding without Small In-house projects with poor funding without major collaborations, a road to failuremajor collaborations, a road to failure

S&T Poor Performance: Main Reasons S&T Poor Performance: Main Reasons Political instabilityPolitical instabilityNot in Government priorityNot in Government priorityNo clear national S&T strategic plan No clear national S&T strategic plan Political appointments in all S&T institutionsPolitical appointments in all S&T institutionsNo Science and Technology leadersNo Science and Technology leadersPoor R&D budgetPoor R&D budget– Poor research infrastructurePoor research infrastructure– Poor scientific manpowerPoor scientific manpower– No national coordinated efforts in R&D No national coordinated efforts in R&D

Weak linkages between different R&D institutionsWeak linkages between different R&D institutionsNo incentives to private sectorsNo incentives to private sectorsConfusion between R or D or bothConfusion between R or D or bothFew collaborations (Intra, Inter and International)Few collaborations (Intra, Inter and International)Duplications of R&DDuplications of R&DNo commercial focus and patent protection No commercial focus and patent protection

Examples: R&D Tax Incentives in Examples: R&D Tax Incentives in Other CountriesOther Countries

Country R&D Tax Incentive Australia 125% deduction for R&D expenses, Plus a 175%

deduction for R&D expenses exceeding a base amount Canada Offers a permanent 20% flat (i.e. first-dollar) R&D tax

credit.• Also, many provincial governments offer various incentives for R&D activities in their provinces.

China Offers foreign investment enterprises a 150% deduction for R&D expenditures, provided R&D spending has increased by 10% from the prior year

France Allows a 40% R&D credit for R&D expenditures, OR a 10% flat credit on volume.

1 “Survey of Current Business,” Bureau of Economic Analysis, Department of

Nepal S& T New VisionNepal S& T New Vision

Creating a team from different scientific Creating a team from different scientific fields and having a coordinated approach fields and having a coordinated approach to find solutions to Nepal problems to find solutions to Nepal problems

PurposePurpose– Serve Nepalese Community and benefit our Serve Nepalese Community and benefit our

IndustryIndustry

EnvironmentEnvironment

SocietySociety

Way ForwardWay Forward

S&T recognition and investment S&T recognition and investment A long term vision and serious commitmentA long term vision and serious commitmentFresh approach and initiativesFresh approach and initiatives– A separate R&D wing in Planning commission A separate R&D wing in Planning commission – S&T seat in upper house S&T seat in upper house – Invite NRN resources and brain for S&T investmentInvite NRN resources and brain for S&T investment– Organize a national conference of all R&D institutions Organize a national conference of all R&D institutions

(private/public & academia) and prepare S&T development (private/public & academia) and prepare S&T development master plan for the next decademaster plan for the next decade

A development plan for S&T human resources next 10 yearsA development plan for S&T human resources next 10 yearsRedefine the role of NAST Redefine the role of NAST Form a Prime ministerial S&T advisory committee comprising Form a Prime ministerial S&T advisory committee comprising of top scientists, technocrats and business mindsof top scientists, technocrats and business mindsEstablish a separate S&T departmentEstablish a separate S&T department

Way ForwardWay ForwardRealign or merge Departments/Institutions with similar Realign or merge Departments/Institutions with similar objectives to best utilize the resources and better service objectives to best utilize the resources and better service from R&Dfrom R&DEstablish National laboratories in Key S&T areas Establish National laboratories in Key S&T areas (Chemical. Biological, Environment, Water Resources, (Chemical. Biological, Environment, Water Resources, Forestry, Alternate energy and Information sciences)Forestry, Alternate energy and Information sciences)Create Federation of all societies- Lobby groupCreate Federation of all societies- Lobby groupIdentify S&T investment areas and invite foreign investment Identify S&T investment areas and invite foreign investment Launch National projects in priority areas with clear focusLaunch National projects in priority areas with clear focus– Invite external Science leader to review national projects Invite external Science leader to review national projects

on annual basison annual basis– Develop strong KPI to monitor R&D performanceDevelop strong KPI to monitor R&D performance

Create national fellowship to attract and retain best Create national fellowship to attract and retain best scientists scientists

Way ForwardWay Forward

Establish a strong patent portfolio to protect R&D Establish a strong patent portfolio to protect R&D outcomeoutcomeDouble the number fellowships (PhD, master and Double the number fellowships (PhD, master and visiting scientist) in overseas countriesvisiting scientist) in overseas countriesTax incentives in all R&D workTax incentives in all R&D work Give incentives to Universities to develop strong Give incentives to Universities to develop strong links overseas to expand higher education links overseas to expand higher education infrastructure (KU)infrastructure (KU)Create a national S&T database Create a national S&T database Look out for Science leadersLook out for Science leadersHigher the best brain for the top jobHigher the best brain for the top jobKnowledge based nation- (Invite, attract and retain Knowledge based nation- (Invite, attract and retain talented Nepalese brain )talented Nepalese brain )

Biotechnology Sector (Yarsha Gumba): Biotechnology Sector (Yarsha Gumba): An example An example

Identify and invite collaborative national proposalsIdentify and invite collaborative national proposalsApproach overseas private companies for funding and Approach overseas private companies for funding and investmentinvestment– Advertise the project globally, institutional approach or Advertise the project globally, institutional approach or

individual contacts individual contacts – Develop the proposal jointly with a clear objectives Develop the proposal jointly with a clear objectives

commercial focus and time framecommercial focus and time frame– Nepal to provide resources and manpowerNepal to provide resources and manpower– Advanced testing and formulation development overseasAdvanced testing and formulation development overseas– Patent royalties to be sharedPatent royalties to be shared– Access to clinical trials in Nepal- Investment opportunityAccess to clinical trials in Nepal- Investment opportunity– Tax incentives and other flexibility for the companyTax incentives and other flexibility for the company– Manufacturing of products in Nepal (cheap resources)Manufacturing of products in Nepal (cheap resources)– 10% of profit from the sell for reinvestment in R&D in Nepal10% of profit from the sell for reinvestment in R&D in Nepal

NRN RoleNRN RoleNRN should play a lead roleNRN should play a lead roleNRN to organise International S&T conference NRN to organise International S&T conference every two years in Nepalevery two years in NepalCreate a separate NRN S&T wing Create a separate NRN S&T wing (Representative from country chapters globally)(Representative from country chapters globally)– Generate skill database and strong networkingGenerate skill database and strong networking– Invite ideas and identify key areas for S&T investmentInvite ideas and identify key areas for S&T investment– Create S&T investment fundsCreate S&T investment funds– Submit a proposal to Nepal GovtSubmit a proposal to Nepal Govt– Launch collaborative projects in key areasLaunch collaborative projects in key areas

Appoint a S&T representative in NRN ICCAppoint a S&T representative in NRN ICCNRN ICC representative in the PM S&T advisory NRN ICC representative in the PM S&T advisory committeecommittee

NRN ApproachNRN ApproachCreate an investment fund ($ 1M) for R&D in Create an investment fund ($ 1M) for R&D in priorities research areaspriorities research areasInitial funding for 1-2 projects with a clear Initial funding for 1-2 projects with a clear commercial focus (Value added applied research)commercial focus (Value added applied research)A strong networking of NRN S&T expertise and A strong networking of NRN S&T expertise and resources through above projects in Nepalresources through above projects in NepalRevenue generation- Spin off companies, licensing Revenue generation- Spin off companies, licensing of patent or technology saleof patent or technology saleNew NRN PhD and post –doctoral fellowships in New NRN PhD and post –doctoral fellowships in above projectabove project– Fellowship linked to commitment in the projectFellowship linked to commitment in the project

Local employment, infrastructure development and Local employment, infrastructure development and creation of wealth (long run)creation of wealth (long run)

Public sector

NRN

Private sectorForeign

Investment

Benefit toIndustry

EnvironmentSociety

Global Network

Nepal S&T

Nepal S&T networking- New ApproachNepal S&T networking- New Approach

--------Old approach

---------New approach

Prime Minister S&T Advisory

Body

Planning commissionS&T Wing

Ministry of S&T

NAST Department of S&T

National Laboratories

GovtDepartments

NRN S&T committee

Private sector

Federation S&Tsociety

NRN ICC Rep, Public sectorAcademia, Private sectorFederation of Societies

Prime Minister and Cabinet

------ and Red: New approach

Applied R&D

Applied R&D

National ProposalNational Proposal

Foreign investmentForeign

investment

Patent Protection

Patent Protection

PartneringPartnering

S &TS &T

Mechanism- National Coordinated Approach

PriortizeKey R&D

areas

PriortizeKey R&D

areas

Sale/LicenseSpin off

Companies

Sale/LicenseSpin off

Companies

Brain Drain ?Brain Drain ?Migration of Nepalese professionals –on rise Migration of Nepalese professionals –on rise 14 years in CSIRO- Co-inventor of 2 spin off 14 years in CSIRO- Co-inventor of 2 spin off companies PolyNovo and Aortech Biomaterials, 20 companies PolyNovo and Aortech Biomaterials, 20 patents and 40 international journal papers and 50 patents and 40 international journal papers and 50 International conference abstractsInternational conference abstractsResearch ideas led to multimillion dollar business, Research ideas led to multimillion dollar business, created employment and infrastructure developmentcreated employment and infrastructure developmentCan state use such experience and knowledge and Can state use such experience and knowledge and is there any opportunity ?is there any opportunity ?Recent initiatives to start a collaborative proposal Recent initiatives to start a collaborative proposal between CSIRO and NAST failed, No interest between CSIRO and NAST failed, No interest Is Brain drain an issueIs Brain drain an issueIs Reverse brain drain a need now ?Is Reverse brain drain a need now ?

Education gets Govt support- Budget Education gets Govt support- Budget 20082008

5% Tax (Rs 1.41 billion) on total revenue generated 5% Tax (Rs 1.41 billion) on total revenue generated by the private schools and colleges (i.e., all higher by the private schools and colleges (i.e., all higher institutions). institutions). – 1.5 million students, 8500 private schools, and 70,000, 1.5 million students, 8500 private schools, and 70,000,

250 private colleges. 250 private colleges.

10% tax levy from the sin taxes on alcohol, 10% tax levy from the sin taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and casinos – Rs 1 billiontobacco, and casinos – Rs 1 billionTotal = 2.4 billion NRsTotal = 2.4 billion NRsIndependent trust fundsIndependent trust funds– 3.5 years education vouchers3.5 years education vouchers– 25% school grants25% school grants– 75% vouchers for vocational and technical education75% vouchers for vocational and technical education

Science and Technology to be Science and Technology to be promoted- Budget 2008promoted- Budget 2008

Programme to stops brain-drain of the indigenous scientists Programme to stops brain-drain of the indigenous scientists and technologistsand technologistsA National lab set up under National Academy for Science A National lab set up under National Academy for Science and Technology (NAST) to expedite the studies and and Technology (NAST) to expedite the studies and researches in area of science and technology.researches in area of science and technology.55thth National Science Conference to be convened in National Science Conference to be convened in KathmanduKathmanduRs 230 millions for National Information Bank to protect Rs 230 millions for National Information Bank to protect important public information from catastrophe and important public information from catastrophe and anthropogenic accidents. anthropogenic accidents. Rs.  57.5 million for additional 175 Tele-centres in rural Rs.  57.5 million for additional 175 Tele-centres in rural communities, schools and post offices. communities, schools and post offices. One Tele-centre in each Village Development Committee One Tele-centre in each Village Development Committee Establishment of a Climate Change Research CentreEstablishment of a Climate Change Research Centre

ConclusionConclusion

There is no silver bullet or magic solution There is no silver bullet or magic solution

No short cut approachNo short cut approach

A new vision, passion, commitment and A new vision, passion, commitment and approach is necessaryapproach is necessary

Realigning of the national priorities and Realigning of the national priorities and existing structure is importantexisting structure is important

Increase S&T budget to almost 2% of GDPIncrease S&T budget to almost 2% of GDP

NRN role is critical to S&T developmentNRN role is critical to S&T development

Knowledge/Skill grafting is critical to S&T Knowledge/Skill grafting is critical to S&T prosperityprosperity