We need Science and Technology for Policy, and Policy for Science and Technology. The former to best inform decision makers, the latter to ensure the highest return of the former.
###Why is international science and technology policy important?###
- Science policy today has profound global implications. Think about Climate Change. Think about disaster risk management, access to clean water. These are all present challenges we face globally. We need to understand the problem. We must assess the implications of our actions and, thus, help create appropriate fact-based policies.
- Education is the key for the future. Currently more than one third of the world are kids. Providing them with the most appropriate education is not only our responsibility, but also the foundation for prosperity, stability, equality and development.
- Technology is just starting to unleash its possibilities. Affordable interconnectivity is ubiquitous on increasing number of nations. We create,access, share and adapt information as has never been comparable. 5% of the world’s population access Facebook every day, a company that did not exist 6 years ago. Google Maps provides a free map of the whole word, in many cases down to months-old street view images. While there are substantial benefits and great potential for societal benefit, the extremely fast development has outpaced regulatory policies, raising concerns. As with any other tool understanding these innovations are the key to leverage the best outcomes.
- Never before was S&T so relevant to development. Mobile subscription rates in the developing world are rapidly increasing. At the same time remote sensing, communications technologies and GIS allow for the emergence of unprecedented nowcasting technologies. This has already been proved a vital tool for disaster response, human rights monitoring or healthcare support to name a few. As technologies continue to develop, appropriately embracing these innovations becomes not only necessary but also unavoidable.