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Industrial Science and Technology Working Group |
The Industrial Science and Technology Working Group's (ISTWG) objective is to fulfill the APEC vision for the 21st century, which is to be a dynamic and prosperous Asia-Pacific region built on the development and application of industrial science and technology that improves the quality of life while safeguarding the natural environment and achieving sustainable development.
Six key priorities were adopted as part of the ISTWG action agenda in 1998: improved availability of information; improved human resources development; improved business climate; contribution to sustainable development; enhanced policy dialogue and review; and facilitation of networks and partnership.
The policy directions of ISTWG were set by APEC Economic Leaders, and are guided by APEC Ministers responsible for Science and Technology.
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 2007 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.
Achievements
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.
Participants at the Forum on Science and Technology Resources Share and Collaboration Mechanism among APEC economies, held from 21-22 November in Suzhou, China, actively discussed ways to promote the collaboration and transfer of science and technology achievements between APEC member economies. Specifically, they discussed research and development, technology transfer, allocation of venture capital in science and technology.
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.
Current Activities
A workshop on human capacity building for natural resources development and its environmental impacts in APEC region will be held from 26 November to 14 December in Tsukuba, Japan. Topics to be discussed include disaster management, environmental impact assessments, and public awareness.
Industrial Science and Technology Working Group (ISTWG) - Key Contacts
Lead Shepherd
Dr. Lee Myung-Jin
Director
International S&T Policy Research Group
Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI)
Specialty Construction Center 20.26.27F
Shindaebang-dong, Dongjak-gu,
Seoul 156-714,
Republic of Korea
Tel: 82-2-3284-1860
Fax: 82-2-849-8015
E-mail: leemyjin@stepi.re.kr
APEC Secretariat
Mr Park Yung Suh
Director (Program)
E-mail: pys@apec.org