Manila: Science, technology and innovation (STI) will help boost economic growth and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said. In a statement Friday, DEPDev emphasized the importance of STI as articulated by Secretary Arsenio Balisacan during his address at the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology on July 8.
According to Philippines News Agency, Balisacan stressed the necessity of fortifying the connection between STI and policymaking to tackle the nation's development obstacles. He remarked, "Science is not separate from development. Innovation is not an optional complement to policy. Rather, they are increasingly becoming the principal means through which countries solve complex development problems, strengthen resilience, and sustain long-term prosperity."
Balisacan noted the Philippines' progress in recent years but cautioned that economic growth alone will not suffice to meet the country's development goals and commitments under the SDGs. These goals, set by United Nations member states in 2015, aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure global peace and prosperity by 2030.
He further stated, "Achieving the SDGs requires a broader development strategy-one grounded in sound public policy, capable institutions, and strong partnerships among government, the private sector, the academe, and civil society. Most importantly, it requires science, technology, and innovation-not as ends in themselves, but as the means by which we translate sound policy into higher productivity, stronger institutions, greater opportunities, and better lives for our people."
Balisacan highlighted the critical role of institutions like NAST in ensuring that policymaking is guided by science and that research and innovation are focused on addressing real-world issues confronting communities. He affirmed DEPDev's commitment to advocating for robust innovation ecosystems, enhancing investments in research and development, supporting scientists and researchers, and promoting sustainable innovations.
"As we look toward 2030 and beyond, our challenge is therefore not simply to generate more knowledge. It is to ensure that knowledge is translated more quickly into practical solutions, productive enterprises, effective public policies, and better lives for every Filipino," Balisacan concluded.
