At the 4th Science and Technology Ministers Meeting held in 2004, priorities were identified which include: sustainable development; human resource capacity building; international S&T networks; connecting research and innovation; strengthening technological cooperation; encouraging best practice in strategic planning; and enhancing policy dialogue and review.
In the ISTWG 2008 Work Plan, action programs were designed to respond to the priorities set by the 4th Ministers Meeting and to achieve the goals of the ISTWG. The goals are:
enhanced economic growth, trade and investment opportunities in harmony with sustainable development, through policies, innovative R&D and technologies, and knowledge sharing;
better quality of life and a cleaner environment;
a safe and secure society, emphasizing the importance of measures for infectious diseases and natural disasters;
human resource capacity building;
enhanced international science and technology (S&T) networks;
an improved level of connection between research and innovation, involving and encouraging the potential of SMEs; and
strengthened technological cooperation and achievement of best practices in strategic planning for IST projects and programs.
The APEC 34th ISTWG meeting was held in Hong Kong, China on 27-28 March 2008. Members have actively shared the experiences and opinions on four themes - 1) Human Resource Development, 2) International Science and Technology Network, 3) Connecting Research and Innovations, and 4) Technological Cooperation and Strategic Planning and Sustainable Development.
A workshop on human capacity building for natural resources development and its environmental impacts in the APEC region was held from 26 November - 14 December in Tsukuba, Japan. Topics discussed included disaster management, environmental impact assessments, and public awareness.
Held on 21-24 November 2007 at Chon-buk National University in Jeonju, Korea, the workshop on "Participation of Women and Ethnic Communities in Science and Technology in the APEC Region" aimed to collect and exchange information on the status of education for working women and minorities in APEC economies who are involved in science and technology.
The Forum on APEC Science and Technology Innovation and SME Development was held in Hefei, China on October 28-30, 2007. Focusing on the theme, "Innovation, Cooperation and Development" the forum was designed for APEC member economies to conduct policy dialogue and share experiences on harnessing innovation and exploring how technology transfer can boost SME growth.
The 7th APEC Biotechnology Conference will be held in Taipei on July 21, 2008 with the theme of "Building the Value of Translation Research for Biomedicine in APEC Region".
