Reverse Linkage

109 DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION In addition to training programmes, ISTIC also provides expert advice in related fields and is often invited to partici- pate in international conferences and seminars as speakers. UNESCO category II centres are subject to reviews every five years. A review of ISTIC was conducted in 2013, five years after it was established, to assess its performance and suitability to continue as a category II centre. The positive outcome of the study resulted in the signing of a second agreement between the government of Malaysia and UNESCO, with ISTIC continuing to operate as a UNESCO category II centre and promoting collaboration for the benefit of developing countries until 2021. Another review will be made before that date. Benefits to the target group A concern often expressed is to what extent do the programmes benefit the target group. Feedback received on two programmes funded by IsDB indicate the positive impact of the training workshops. Of the STI policy for development workshops, participants agreed that they have contributed to the advancement of skills and knowledge as well as to the development of STI policy in their organi- zations and countries. Regarding technopreneurship, the programmes had significant impact on participants’ motiva- tion to become technopreneurs. 14.5 per cent of participants have set up their own business, 21 per cent have commer- cialised their products, and 35 per cent have secured their products and ideas with intellectual property status. ISTIC has proven to be an asset both to the government of Malaysia and, in the wider context, to SSC. ISTIC has received accolades from the Director General of UNESCO, the French Development Bank and the United Nation’s Office for South-South Cooperation, all of which has been a motivation and inspiration for ISTIC to continue efforts in fulfilling its aims and objectives as an effective platform for SSC and to assist developing countries improve their science and technology systems. The aim of inclusivity remains a challenge, particularly for the small island states and least developed nations, but this can be minimised by establish- ing strategic partnerships that can provide both expertise and financial resources. ISTIC will continue to strive hard in this endeavour. A New Dawn. The winner of the first prize of the ISTIC–TWAS Innovations in Science and Technology in Developing Countries 2015 competition, demonstrating the Smart SIM simulation programme that helps practitioners to learn the technique of minimally invasive surgery Source: ISTIC-TWAS Agenda Programmes Participants Countries STI Policy 21 822 84 Women in STI 7 692 56 IBSE / STEM 15 612 48 Maintenance of Infrastructure 10 372 36 Technopreneurship 15 427 62 Digital Technology 1 29 12 Briefings to G77 / UNESCO 4 175 60 ISTIC 5th Anniversary Conference 1 250 87 Totals 74 3379 ISTIC Programmes June 2009 – December 2017 Image: ISTIC-TWAS