Reverse Linkage

106 REVERSE LINKAGE T he sharing of resources, technology and knowl- edge has the effect of improving a population’s well-being and helping tomeet development goals, which is why developing countries are encouraged to assist each other in all fields – political, economic, social, environmental and technical. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) are therefore recognised as major vehi- cles in promoting development and uplifting economic prosperity. The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC) was set up under the auspices of UNESCO in response to a request to integrate a development approach into national STI poli- cies and capacity building to provide policy advice; facilitate the exchange of experience and best practice; create a problem-solving network of centres of excellence in devel- oping countries; and support the exchange of scientists, researchers and technologists among those countries. The establishment of ISTIC in 2008 was approved at the 34th UNESCO General Conference under an agreement signed between the government of Malaysia and UNESCO, and followed the outcome of the Second South Summit of the Group of 77 and China in 2005. ISTIC is a UNESCO Category II Centre, meaning that it is legally not part of the UNESCO organization but is associ- ated with it through an agreement which allows the use of the logo, and carries the requirement to support and imple- ment UNESCO’s agenda and programmes. ISTIC receives funding from the government of Malaysia through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) for its overall operation and programmes. ISTIC has a governing board that oversees its strategic direction and approves the programme and finances, with current members comprising eminent experts, 25 from developing countries and 8 from developed countries. Membership from the latter is important in providing up-to-date developments in STI that can benefit the coun- tries of the Global South. ISTIC’s activities focus mainly on capacity building, innovation excellence, information sharing, consulting and publication. To progress this agenda, ISTIC conducts train- ing programmes in six priority areas identified currently as the most relevant for developing countries: STI policy for development Many countries of the Global South do not have STI policies to guide national development, and capacity is lacking inmany of those countries where STI systems are fragmented, with little coordination. ISTIC’s programme provides capacity building for personnel involved in STI polices at management level as well as that of high level policy makers. The main aim is to enhance their roles in national development and their contri- bution to the economic wealth and well-being of the nation. Maintenance of infrastructure Developing countries have many infrastructure projects but there is little local capacity to maintain and keep the infrastructure in good order. The programme is aimed at providing exposure of participants to the latest technology and methodology for the maintenance of infrastructure in developing countries. Technopreneurship This programme focuses on equipping researchers at universities and research centres with the knowledge and skills to commercialise their products or the outcomes of their research studies. Participants are guided on developing business plans, branding and marketing. It is acknowledged that such skills are lacking among researchers in developing countries. Inquiry-based science education Designed to assure a continuous supply of creative and discerning STI professionals, the programme concentrates on developing skills and knowledge among science educa- tors in using inquiry-based science education (IBSE) as an effective method of teaching science in schools. ISTIC as an international platform for SSC in science, technology and innovation Dr. Sharifah Maimunah Syed Zin, Director, ISTIC