Seychelles’ STI Policy 2016-2025 Undergoes Review in Collaborative UNCTAD Workshop

Seychelles’ STI Policy 2016-2025 Undergoes Review in Collaborative UNCTAD Workshop

Seychelles’ Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy and strategy for the years 2016-2025 is currently under review. This examination is being conducted through a three-day workshop, a collaborative effort between Seychelles’ Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) under the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The workshop aims to delve into the draft review’s findings, heighten awareness of STI’s role in national development, and foster stronger relationships among stakeholders.

The primary objective of the workshop is to underline the importance of the STI as a catalyst for economic development to local partners. The Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry, Devika Vidot, emphasized the necessity of putting people and the planet at the center of scientific and technological advancements. She underscored the crucial role of digital infrastructure and literacy, along with innovation in education, in empowering citizens and bridging socio-economic gaps.

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Adapting to Global Opportunities and Challenges

The workshop and policy reviews will take into account the global environment filled with opportunities and challenges. These include the quick evolution of artificial intelligence and the pressing demand for sustainable solutions to combat climate change. Minister Vidot stressed the urgent need for Seychelles to adapt to changes in the STI landscape and national priorities. She emphasized the necessity of creating an environment conducive to adopting, modifying, and potentially developing technologies and innovations for socio-economic development.

The workshop also highlighted the crucial role of the business sector in the country’s economic growth and prosperity. The government has shown commitment to providing a framework that will support business expansion. The STI policy is considered a critical tool for addressing new challenges and enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the local private sector in a global economy.

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UNCTAD’s Role and the Workshop’s Structure

During the workshop, Dimo Calovski, an ICT and STI policy expert from UNCTAD, clarified that the first day would be dedicated to reviewing the draft policy prepared by UNCTAD and collecting feedback from stakeholders. The second day would focus on training stakeholders on the STI policy, the role of innovation and development, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship. This training would be facilitated through presentations, group work, and case studies.

The workshop’s goal is to support the government’s objectives of economic diversification and achieving national priorities. These objectives include addressing the impacts of climate change, ensuring the sustainability of the tourism sector, promoting economic diversification in other sectors, and encouraging entrepreneurship. The workshop is expected to provide guidance on how NGOs and stakeholders can integrate STI strategies into existing policies and collaboratively work towards creating self-sustainable Seychelles.

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