Guyana Science and Technology Policy — 1980?
Ulric O’D Trotz, Ph.D.
1.0 Policy Statement
1.1 The National Policy for integration of Science and Technology into economic development is to utilize science and technology as a tool for sustainable development, the improvement of human, physical, and social well-being and for the protection of the environment and national sovereignty.
1.2 The National Policy shall focus on the promotion of scientific and technological self -reliance in support of economic and social development activities through the development of National Science and Technology capability and the maintenance of educational and other relevant infrastructure to support the creation of a Science and Technology Culture.
2.0 Background
2.1 Guyana is largely a primary producer and exporter. Bauxite, sugar, rice and timber constitute the predominant portion of its exports. Guyana’s continuing efforts at economic recovery and development will require it to enhance its export revenues by further processing its commodity exports, create new opportunities for increased manufacturing and expand production to the level of self-sufficiency in basic food stuffs.
2.2 Guyana’s economy can be described as a small dependent open economy. Almost every economic activity involves exchange. The generation and conservation of foreign exchange are the major concern of economic planning.
2.3 The main strategies in Guyana’s Economic Recovery Programme are:
2.3.1 Resource-based development
2.3.2 Export-led growth
2.3.3 Rural industrialization
2.3.4 National economic linkages
2.4 There are essential Science and Technology components in each of the above strategies. The Economic Recovery Programme can therefore be translated into the following imperatives for Science and Technology.
- Technology needs to achieve the economic objectives
- Science base to strengthen the technology needs
2.5 In terms of technology needs, the decisions will have to be made between acquisition or indigenous development of technology, or a mixture of both. There is a necessity therefore for developing capacity in technology search, assessment, selection and a strategy for technology transfer as well as strengthening domestic Research and Development capability. In the latter case a strategy for the prioritization, coordination, and monitoring of Research and Development performance must be developed.
2.6 Technology development and acquisition can only be effective with a strong science base in targeted areas. Indigenous technology development entails a strategy for prioritization of R&D. Both of these have implications for manpower development, for the financing of Science and Technology enterprise as related to the implementation of the economic objective.
3.0 Science and Technology Infrastructure
3.1 In 1984 a mechanism for the initiation, coordination, and implementation of a comprehensive National Science and Technology Policy was created through the establishment by act of Parliament of the National Science Research Council (NSRC).
3.2 Amongst the responsibilities assigned to the Council were those of
3.2.1 Assisting in the formulation of the National Science Policy.
3.2.2 Determining priorities for scientific and technological activities in Guyana, and
3.2.3 Promoting research and ensuring the application of the results of scientific and technological activities to the development of agriculture, industry, and social welfare in Guyana.
3.3 During the years of its existence Council has been responsible for the establishment of –
3.4 Council was also responsible for the preparation of a State Paper on a National Science and Technology Policy in 1978.
3.5 Since 1982, however, the National Science Research Council has not functioned.
4.0 Something
4.1 Every economic activity has Science and Technology implications. Greatest return on the use of economic resources therefore require assessment, nationalization, and coordination of the Science and Technology elements of the economic development issues.
4.2 A policy for integrating Science and Technology is therefore essential to any meaningful strategy. Such a policy would address the following:
4.2.1 The application of Science and Technology into the production sector
4.2.2 The application of Science and Technology for the satisfaction for basic social and human needs
4.2.3 The development of national capability to absorb and utilize Science and Technology (i.e. the development of a Science and Technology culture.
4.3 The articulation of a National Policy for the integration of Science and Technology into economic development is the responsibility of government. The formulation and operationalization of the Policy requires a focal point, an enabling mechanism for the systematic assessment of the economic and development issues for their Science and Technology implications.
4.4 In the context of Guyana this can be achieved by restructuring the existing National Science Research Council which can be renamed the National Council of Science and Technology for Development (NACOSTED). This restructured body would include the key players from the relevant sectors of the economy and will be advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, Planning and Development.
4.5 The responsibilities of the body would include:
4.5.1 Analysing the economic and development issues with a view to identifying their Science and Technology implications;
4.5.2 Studying trends in Science and Technology with impact of national development and making recommendations for appropriate national action;
4.5.3 On the basis of 4.5.1 and 4.5.2 advising on National Science and Technology priorities and the nationalization of the use of resources for the application of Science and Technology development;
4.5.4 Promoting the enhancement of a National Science and Technology capability;
4.5.5 Fostering and sustaining a National Science and Technology culture.
