A NATIONAL POLICY ON SCIENCE,

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

FOR TRINIDAD & TOBAGO


Into a New Era of Industrial Competitiveness
and Human Development









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-2000-

A NATIONAL POLICY ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND
INNOVATION FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

- Into a New Era of Industrial Competitiveness and Human Development -

V VI IS SI IO ON N- -2 20 02 20 0

T
rinidad and Tobago will use science, research and development,
technology, quality, innovation and entrpreneurship as the fundamental
ingredients to enhance its competitiveness and advance itself into the
grouping of industrialised countries by the year 2020. The technological
strategy to be followed will create new wealth through the balanced and
sustainable development of all its key sectors in order to ensure prosperity,
the alleviation of poverty and unemployment and the improvement in our
physical, social and cultural well being. Through training and re-training,
this policy will empower citizens to be productive, to think, to be creative,
and to have the courage, support and resources to develop, innovate and
create wealth. This policy will also strive to conserve for future generations
the natural resources and environment of the country and will guarantee
Trinidadians and Tobagonians a better quality of life and a better
understanding of themselves and their society.

Trinidad and Tobago is operating within an increasingly competitive
global economy. Research and its resulting technologies, together with
innovation, enrepreneurship and quality issues, are the most important
engines driving the process of globalization. Wealth and job creation
depend on the application of new technology and a well trained, adaptive
citizenry to keep established industries competitive, and upon the
development and growth of knowledge-based industries. This is an
exciting time for Trinidad and Tobago as it is poised for entry into a newer
era of prosperity. This is a time when all of Trinidad and Tobago's
businesses, industries and entrepreneurs can seize the opportunity to use
technology, human ingenuity and skills, and the country's unique
strengths and natural resources to increase their competitiveness in local,
regional, and international trade.



A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


2

T TH HE E M MI IS SS SI IO ON N

T
he Government of Trinidad and Tobago's mission, as well as that of
businesses and all citizens, is to support and promote the successful
transformation of Trinidad and Tobago into a globally competitive,
industrialised country- one that sustains its competitive advantage through
scientific and technological knowledge, innovation and growth in various
modern and advanced products and services, so as to promote sustainable
social economic development, and for the continuous upliftment of the
standard and quality of life of its citizens for present and future
generations.

T
hrough this policy, Government will promote a new system for science,
technology, quality and innovation which will be based on the creation of
an expanded, but well-coordinated and integrated, explicit system which
fosters coherence of activities and support in the partnership of
government, business, labour and the science and technology, research and
training institutions. This approach will promote industry led technological
growth, human resource development and product competitiveness, and
our people will become active participants in highly productive
enterprises. The Government will accomplish this mission by:


actively promoting and supporting science, technology, quality and
innovation as critical factors in the activities of the individual, the
business and manufacturing community, the science, technology,
quality and training institutions and the state.

championing science, technology, quality and innovation as a primary
vehicle for rapid business and industrial growth and competitiveness
in the service of economic and sustainable development of the country
and the prosperity of its citizens.
A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


3


T TH HE E S ST TR RA AT TE EG GY Y


T
he Government of Trinidad and Tobago recognises that a central
feature of socio-economic progress in today's competitive world
depends on the following factors: information and technological
knowledge, an imperative for quality and productivity. Sustained,
successful economic growth also requires a steady investment in
human capital through education, training and access to social
services- the creation of an educated, adaptable and motivated labour
force. Acceptance of these factors is crucial for our industrial success
and for social progress. They will make the difference between low
value added and high value added products from our industries,
between a low export propensity and high export propensity,
between an unbalanced and a balanced, diversified economy,
between un-competitiveness and competitiveness and between
growth without human development and growth with human
development. The core strategies to be pursued through this policy
on Science, Technology and Innovation will include:


the development of a well educated, adaptable and technologically
capable population, with a strong scientific orientation, such that they
can apply research, science, technology, innovation and
entrepreneurial skills for economic growth both now and in the future.

a focus and support for the diffusion, assimilation, acquisition and
adaptation of technologies for the development of new products,
processes and services, the enhancement of skills, manufacturing
efficiency, product quality and the overall national capacity for
business and manufacture.

a comprehensive support and encouragement to industries to
develop, exploit, and apply new advances in technology to ensure
competitiveness and quality. This includes strengthening the capacity,
particularly of SMEs to innovate, to absorb new technologies, to train
A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


4
their staff, to pursue R&D, product testing and marketing by using the
available national and regional institutions.


support in training and research for basic and applied sciences
particularly those areas which are closely related to technological
advances and applications used in the strategically important sectors.
This will establish an environment, standard, and scientific
understanding for maintaining and mastery of technology at a high
level of sophistication, provide a developing ground for young
scientists, researchers and technologists, training of the future trainers,
and positioning ourselves for sustainable future development.

the encouragement of investment in research and technology,
particularly industry driven research and development, which is
supported by the national Science, Technology and Innovation
institutions. This will lead to added value and sustainable exploitation
of our natural resources, to the development of knowledge based
industries and to the building of a capacity in science and technology
for present and future generations. This is essential for wealth creation
and competitiveness in the new global economy and for the present
and future prosperity of our people.

support for the country's science and technology infrastructure
(teaching research, development, training, standardisation etc.) and
capacity building. However, this must be co-ordinated, integrated,
directed and results driven. Science, technology and innovation must
be seen as a continuum and a process for the economic and social
upgrading of all our citizens.

government's training, research, development, testing and
standardisation institutes will pro-actively support small and medium
sized businesses which create the majority of new jobs, but do not
always have sufficient resources to conduct research or capitalize on
technologies or develop their staff in order to improve their
competitiveness.

closer and dynamic relations between higher education and public
research and development on one hand and the productive sector on
the other. This would enable the transformation of knowledge from the
public sector into economically significant innovations in the private
sector and strengthen and support education, training and research
and development to the productive sector.

A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


5
facilitating innovation financing and partnering- Firstly investment in
risk capital and equity will be supported. Secondly, the conditions
within which capital markets for innovative, high-growth companies
develop must be secured. Thirdly, interfaces between technological
innovation and financial circles need to be strengthened.

the creation of a strong incentive regime in Trinidad and Tobago,
which is conducive to technological development, research, innovation
and capacity building and strengthening. This should also provide a
stimulus for encouraging partnerships between industry including the
multinational companies operating in Trinidad and Tobago, S&T
institutions and government. For e.g.

Creation of fiscal incentives to encourage
product/process innovations, quality control and
enhancement and competitiveness through science and
technology.
Direct partial, financial support to industries for
R&D, for quality certification or accreditation, for HR
development including continuous skills development
and advanced training.
Creation of a system of annual awards for supporting
and recognising science, technology and innovation. The
Government of Trinidad and Tobago has embarked on a
national innovation awards system entitled The Prime
Ministers Awards for Innovation and Invention, so as to
publicly recognise and reward excellence in innovation to
individuals, schools and companies.


reviewing the funding mechanism for the countrys science and
technology based institutions and develop a funding policy for such
institutions that is output/project oriented and which promotes self
generated income.

reviewing the performance of organisations involved in various
facets of science, technology and innovation and consolidate,
rationalise or privatise when needed so as to ensure efficiency in
Government spending, financial sustainability in the future,
effectiveness in the discharge of their functions and closer linkages
with the business and manufacturing sector.


A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


6
the establishment of a contestable fund with the financial support
of industry for encouraging research and development by the science
and technology institutions.

the establishment of a scholarship fund for the high level training at
the Doctoral and Post-Doctoral levels of nationals of Trinidad and
Tobago in science and technology areas of importance to the countrys
strategic industry and training needs.


accountability through monitoring and evaluation of the
performance of the Science and Technology infrastructure in the
country. At present there is no systematic accounting, both financial
and technical, of the science, technology and innovation activities in
Trinidad and Tobago. During 1997, 0.36% of GDP was devoted to
Science and Technology activities (S&T Statistical Unit of NIHERST,
2000). Of this, 0.13% of GDP was allocated to R&D expenditure which
is equivalent to approximately TT$49.2 million. Trinidad and Tobagos
expenditure on R&D is relatively low when compared to the % of GDP
of other developed countries like the USA of 2.61%. In 1996, the most
recent year for which comparable international data are available, are
shown in table 1. Accounting for such spending and increased
spending and funding in the future will be through measurable targets
such as:

The national output of peer-reviewed science and
technology publications, masters and doctoral theses in
S&T from the UWI at St. Augustine; self generated
income achieved and projects undertaken through
industrial research and development contracts by the
science and technology institutions and the business and
industrial community; the number of graduates in
Science, Engineering and Technology from all tertiary
level institutions including Bachelors, Masters and
Doctoral graduates; the output of apprentices and
craftsmen from various vocational schools and skills
development programmes; the number of patents and
intellectual property generated in the country; the output
of national standards and the number of companies and
products with international certification.

The increased productivity and profitability of
Trinidad and Tobagos strategic industry clusters

A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


7
The increased contribution of the small and medium
sized enterprises to the economy

The increased exports of technological products and
services from Trinidad and Tobago


Government and Industry spending on training,
R&D and innovation.



the promotion and support of regional and international
cooperation, collaboration and alliances in science, technology and
innovation activities, and keeping Trinidad and Tobago at the forefront
of scientific and technological advances in areas of our strategic
industries. Using bilateral, regional and multilateral sources of funding
and support to proactively build our science, technology and
innovation capacity.

the institutionalisation of science, technology, innovation and
entrepreneurship in all our educational programmes, from pre-school
to University, and working towards science, technology and
innovation becoming an integral part of our cultural life through its
action promotion.


the creation of an efficient system for the protection of Intellectual
Property Rights (IPR) which supports the Science, Technology,
Innovation and Entrepreneurial effort.

fostering the growth of centres of excellence for training, research,
testing and standardisation as well as science parks including business
incubators.

the establishment of a coherent national science, technology and
innovation system with a functional organisational structure for the
effective development, management and co-ordination of all facets of
science, technology and innovation policy, programmes and actions.


A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


8




Table 1 Percentage of GDP on R&D by country (National Science Foundation)

YEAR COUNTRY % of GDP
1996 France
Germany
United Kingdom
Canada
Italy
USA
2.32
2.28
1.94
1.66
1.03
2.57



1997

USA
*Trinidad and
Tobago

2.61
0.13


*Science and Technological Statistical Unit of NIHERST






















A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


9


H HU UM MA AN N R RE ES SO OU UR RC CE E D DE EV VE EL LO OP PM ME EN NT T


T
he success of science and technology as a critical engine in the
industrialization and modernisation process, depends to a large extent on
the quality of the human resource availability. To have competitive
industries, and innovation, well-trained people are required. In response to
rapid technological change, individuals and industry must embrace an
attitude of lifelong learning and skills updating. Trinidad and Tobago's
training system (the primary and secondary schools, the tertiary level
training institutions including the technical and vocational institutes and
the University) must develop an understanding of industry needs in order
to properly equip students to participate in the labour market of the future.
Equally important, industry must work in partnership with government to
identify, develop and support the training needs for graduates. A policy for
integrated human resources development to support industrial growth and
innovation must therefore include:


collaboration between institutions to critically evaluate and develop
the necessary curricula for the trainers and the trainees so that they
meet the needs of industry.

stemming the outflow of skilled manpower and reversing the brain
drain

creating organic linkages between R&D institutions and training
especially at the tertiary level


promoting science education, both formal and informal. This will
focus on reviewing courses and teaching methods at national level to
stimulate creativity and a spirit of enterprise from the earliest age.
This involves:

establishing the permanent National Science Centre
A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


10
expanding the Science and Technology Popularization
programme to promote S&T literacy, innovation and a
national S&T consciousness.
advanced training in S&T to be promoted

ensuring basic literacy and numeracy at the primary and secondary
school levels.

exposure of all students at the secondary level to a broad and
balanced programme of science, technology, innovation and
entrepreneurship.

establishment of scientific and technological consciousness and
strong career guidance programmes in schools.

emphasis at the tertiary level on basic sciences, applied sciences,
engineering and science-based high technology in combination
with business and social studies.

enhancing the availability and quality of technical education and
raising the level of prestige and esteem of graduates of such
programmes to that obtained from the liberal educational system
through the creation of a national technical university.

education/re-education and training/re-training for those in the
work place through organized programmes, in unpacking and
maintaining technology, in the management of research as well as in
developing new technology.

increasing the number of trained scientists and engineers, equip them
with an adequate hands-on capability to operate in the producing
environment, and to complement them with the appropriate quantity
and quality of technicians and crafts-persons.

developing technical personnel and support in the areas of
maintenance and safety.

post-graduate stipends and scholarships to be maintained in real
terms

establishing appropriate wage relativities for research workers in
line with wages paid to other workers with similar levels of education
and training

A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


11
paid study leave for employees in both the public and private sectors
to maintain and extend their skills especially in mathematics,
science and technology

improved infrastructure and access in areas such as libraries,
equipment and machine shop facilities of research and learning

employment arrangements in Government research agencies be
designed to promote skill development and long-term commitment
to careers in research and development



A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


12


D DE EV VE EL LO OP PI IN NG G A A C CO OH HE ER RE EN NT T N NA AT TI IO ON NA AL L S SC CI IE EN NC CE E, ,
T TE EC CH HN NO OL LO OG GY Y A AN ND D I IN NN NO OV VA AT TI IO ON N S SY YS ST TE EM M- - A AN N I IM MP PE ER RA AT TI IV VE E F FO OR R
A AC CT TI IO ON N

T
he Government of Trinidad and Tobago has, since the 1970's, sought to
develop a national science, technology and innovation capability.
Institutions like the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), the
Trinidad & Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS), the Institute of Marine
Affairs (IMA), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC now TIDCO),
the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and
Technology (NIHERST), the Small Business Development Company
(SBDC) and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) have been
created and supported by Government. The Government has also
strengthened the University's capability at the St. Augustine Campus in the
areas of Engineering, Science and Agriculture, while continuing to support
technical training institutions like the John S. Donaldson and the San
Fernando Technical Institutes within the umbrella of COSTAATT. The
largest supporting research and development and training infrastructure is
based upon the importance of Food and Agriculture the Ministry of
Agriculture at Centeno, Caroni Research Station, CARDI, the Faculty of
Agriculture and Natural Science at UWI, NAMDEVCO etc. An ambitious
National Skills Development Programme (NSDP) was launched within the
Metal Industries Company (MIC), in addition to which, a National Energy
Skills Centre (NESC) was also launched within the Ministry of Energy in
order to enhance the skilled manpower base of Trinidad and Tobago and
the Region, by providing increased opportunities for journeyman and
advanced technological training to support the industrial development
thrust into the latter part of the 21
st
century and beyond. This will be
further enhanced with the creation of Trinidad and Tobago Institute of
Technology (TTIT) which will become fully operational in January 2001.
In spite of this core institutional infrastructure that exists, we have not been
completely attaining our objectives. Therefore the pre-requisite now is to
ensure that Trinidad and Tobago's drive for industrial growth and
competitiveness of its products and services, and a robust human resource
A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


13
capability in science, technology and innovation, are achieved by ensuring
co-ordination, management resource allocation and a focus of this installed
system to support the industrial and human development thrust. The key
elements of Government policy in this matter are therefore:


The establishment of a Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister
with a dedicated portfolio of matters (policy, financial, international,
technical) dealing with science, technology and innovation.


The establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Science,
Technology and Innovation (IMCOSTI). IMCOSTI will be a Standing
Committee of cabinet and will consist of those Ministers whose
portfolios include major elements of Science, Technology and
Innovation. IMCOSTI will be chaired by the Prime Minister, or
delegated to the Minister in whose portfolio Science, Technology and
Innovation falls and will be the supreme advisory body to Cabinet on
matters pertaining to policies and priorities for the national effort in
science, technology and innovation (STI), levels of Government
investment in STI, priorities and programmes for research and
development, education and training and making science, technology
and innovation, effective and efficient. The work of IMCOSTI will be
supported by the Minister with responsibility for STI in the Office of
the Prime Minister.


The establishment of a National Commission for Science, Technology
and Innovation, which for this purpose, we may refer to as a
National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation
(NCOSTI). This commission will comprise of a Board of Management
and an Executive Secretariat. The membership of the Board of
Management will be drawn from government, business, labour, and
the science, technology and training institutions. This Commission
will have a broad mandate "to advise the Government on all matters
affecting the national endeavour in Science, Technology and
Innovation and its effect on the country's socio-economic growth
and development. It will be established as an independent advisory
and supporting body to the IMCOSTI. Its role and function will be
prescribed, and it will provide through a forum to bring all the key
stakeholders - e.g. the chairmen of key STI institutions,
decision/policy makers of Government, corporate leaders, eminent
academics/ researchers etc - to share their views on the Science and
A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


14
Technology system. This forum which will be chaired by the Prime
Minister will meet at least once or twice for the year.


For effective operation, the Science, Technology and Innovation
Executive Secretariat will report to the Board of Management and
will be responsible for collecting data, developing and analysing
policy options, reviewing and interfacing with institutions, both local
and international, managing the contestable research and training
funds, developing partnerships with
University/Industry/Government and assisting in the development
of sectoral policies and programmes for Science, Technology and
Innovation. This secretariat will provide the necessary bureaucratic
support to NCOSTI. Moreover, the secretariat will also perform other
staff roles, such as supporting the Inter- Ministerial Committee on
Science, Technology and Innovation. In carrying out its secretariat
functions, this body will mainly be concerned with the acquisition
and analysis of information (including reviews, policies, programmes
and audit reports) as inputs in the deliberations of the Commission
and the Inter-Ministerial Committee. In addition the secretariat will
also be required to:


Execute, manage, co-ordinate, review and monitor
such activities as may be mandated by the Commission;
Disburse research and scholarship funds as approved
by the National Commission on Science, Technology and
Innovation and monitor projects so funded;
Perform research and development studies on STI as
requested by the National Commission on Science,
Technology and Innovation;
Develop and provide a national information
technology capability with particular reference to the
networking of the R&D and tertiary training centres; To
formulate proposals on Science, Technology and
Innovation policy including sectoral policies for
consideration;
Assess and advise on STI elements, implications and
priorities of national plans and programmes;
Monitor and evaluate national and international STI
trends in the context of their strategic implications
(including the audit and review of indigenous R&D
programmes);
A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


15
Advise on inter-governmental and international STI
agency agreements and other international STI affairs
including membership of international agencies;
Promote a greater understanding in the society of the
role and value of STI in national socio-economic
development.
Review annually the performance of all STI based
institutions.
Treat with the rationalisation of all public sector
research and development agencies and in this context
Government will consider their devolution from the
public service. Their rationalisation and consolidation
with other national institutions will also be considered.
Act as the central co-ordinating and funding agency
for all publicly funded and internationally supported
science and technology activity within the country.
Develop triennial budgets for funding research and
development in keeping with desirable targets for
expenditure on science and technology. This will allow
the science and technology institutions to develop
meaningful programmes for training, research and
development, technology transfer and commercialization.
At the same time, this will allow Government ample
opportunity for monitoring and evaluating the
performance of these institutions.



The Commission for Science and Technology will create an
Association of Science and Technology Institutions (CARIRI, TTBS,
UWI, MIC etc.) to ensure optimisation of current programmes,
financial and human resources, co-ordination, networking, focus and
direction of such institutions in their research and development,
training, technological services, innovation, commercialization and
quality functions, in keeping with Governments policy. NCOSTIs
Secretariat will provide technical and administrative support for the
work of the Association.


The Secretariat will co-ordinate the under-mentioned partnerships and
will seek to bring together public, private sector, and international
funding for providing seed money to support targeted research and
development projects, specialised technological training, etc.
A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T




A proposed Science, Technology and Innovation Management System
for National Development.


OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

16


MINISTER for Science, Technology and Innovation



POLICY

Inter-Ministerial Committee on
Science, Technology and Innovation
(IMCOSTI)




National Commission for Science, Technology
and Innovation (NCOSTI)


Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat


PROGRAMMES


ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND
INNOVATION INSTITUTIONS

UWI/CARIRI/TTBS/NESC/COSTAATT/IMA/EMA/CARONI/CENTENO/TIDCO/
CARDI/NSDP/TTIT

A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


17








THE CONTESTABLE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT
AND TRAINING FUNDS


In order to stimulate innovation for competitive growth, build research and
development capacity and foster co-operation between R&D institutions in
both the public and private sectors, create linkages between the science and
technology institutions and industry, this policy proposes the
establishment of a Contestable Research, Development and Innovation
Fund. The Fund is to be administered by NCOSTI and be made up of
allocations from the Government R&D budgets as well as contributions
from the private sector. Disbursements from the fund will be contested for
by any institution(s) or group(s) in Trinidad and Tobago via proposals to
the NCOSTI. Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of:



Relevance to national priorities and industrial growth and
competitiveness
Scientific, technological and innovative merit
Institutional strengthening and capacity building
Collaboration between institutions whether in private
and/or public sectors



Such criteria will not only ensure meritorious proposals that are congruent
with the national development mission, but will force institutions to pool
resources to develop innovative projects and programmes and an output,
goal oriented approach to their work.



A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


18
The Research and development fund will have two contestable
components, viz:-
1. A portion dedicated to support the work of basic and applied science
and technology for potentially longer term industrial application, for
capacity building including development and training of a high calibre
of S&T Researchers and Technologists

2. A portion dedicated to support the work of Industry in product, process
and technology development. This is research and development for
immediate application, which will foster growth and industrial
development. Industry must support and provide a level of funding
also.







One aspect of the Fund will also be divided to the training and exposure of
our nationals at global centres of excellence in the areas of advanced
science, high technology and policy as related to our perceived scientific
and technological priority needs. It is recommended that this fund be
targeted to Postgraduates particularly Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Studies
so as to create a cadre of Scientists, Technologists, Researchers and Trainers
of the highest order.




A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


19
P PA AR RT TN NE ER RS SH HI IP PS S

S
uccess of our science, technology, quality and innovation efforts will
require co-operation, communication and co-ordination among all the
stakeholders government, business, public institutions and research
organisations. Government will provide the environment and
encouragement for developing the strategic partnerships required, with the
Executive Secretariat serving as the central catalytic and co-ordinating
agency for such activities. Partnerships which bring together policy
makers, expertise, financial and other resources, market intelligence and
opportunities, technology etc. may take the form of:



Research and Development Institutions /Industry/ Government
Commercialization Partnerships

Partnerships involving the research and development institutions in
the country, related industries and businesses in strategic sectors of the
economy, and the appropriate government ministries to target and
direct research and technological innovation as well as to develop new
product opportunities.



Industry/Educational Institutes/Government Training
Partnerships

Partnerships involving industry, institutions for science and
technology, education and training, and the Ministry of Education to
focus on the development of appropriate programmes of training and
study to develop the human resource base of the country.







A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


20
R RO OL LE E O OF F G GO OV VE ER RN NM ME EN NT T

T
he role of the Government is to strengthen, invigorate and guide the
national capacity in science, technology, quality and innovation so as to
support and enhance the critical pillars of economic advancement.
Government must provide leadership; it must set targets and provide and
co-ordinate resources; it must integrate science and technology into its
overall macro-economic planning and strategic thinking; it must open
opportunities for technological advancement; and it must ensure that the
results of research and innovation are exploited. The Government of
Trinidad and Tobago will:




1. THE TOP PRIORITY IS TO FOSTER A GENUINE SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION CULTURE


champion research, technology, quality, training and productivity
as engines of growth within its socio-economic plans and
developmental programmes. This will include promoting basic
science and placing emphasis on training the creative, applied
scientists and other high-calibre technological manpower to lead the
nation in an era of globilization of science, technology and
innovation.


establish a research, technology and quality climate that is
conducive to job creation, wealth generation, and foreign and local
investment. It will focus on:

development of a skilled and educated workforce.

competitiveness, innovation and quality.


diversification and value added industries.


A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


21
utilisation and commercialization of research and technology.


creation of a science culture and a co-ordinated system for
science and technology planning and management.


rewarding excellence for innovation and entrepreneur-ship in
the community, in industry, in academia, in government and in
the science and technology institutions.



strengthen and support the countrys installed science and
technology infrastructure and be a strong advocate of this. This will
include upgrading physical facilities and equipment of R&D
institutions.

promote and strengthen international co-operation in science and
technology through activities such as joint research projects,
exchange of scientists and information, invitation of foreign scientists,
and exchanging R&D laboratory facilities with foreign institutes


enhance the awareness of science and technology among youth and
the general public and foster a healthy culture of science, technology
and innovation in the nation





2. THE SECOND PRIORITY IS TO SET UP A LEGAL,
REGULATORY AND FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK CONDUCIVE
TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION.


provide core funding at acceptable levels to maintain and develop
the science and technology capability of our science, technology and
innovation institutions.

provide seed funding through a competitive pool of funds for science and
technology institutions to undertake pre-commercial, applied research, and
A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


22
technological innovation for industrial development which is unlikely to be
funded by non-governmental sources.


provide incentives to the private sector to encourage a partnership
approach to the process of technological growth and advancement and
support for our science, technology and innovation institutions.


make the patent system more efficient, more accessible and less
expensive. In addition, search and retrieval capabilities will utilize modern
information technology to reduce management costs and to promote
compliance with international standards




3. THE THIRD PRIORITY IS TO GEAR RESEARCH MORE CLOSELY
TO SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AT BOTH
NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY LEVEL


reinforce national R&D projects that have been implemented to enhance
the competitiveness of industries and to lay the foundation for future
industrial development. In carrying out these projects active participation
from the private sector will be much encouraged

develop a strategic foresight vision of research and of its application.
Exercises such as key technologies or Foresight will contribute
to directing efforts to the sectors, areas or technologies, which are the
most relevant for future development


set targets for the science and technology infrastructure of the country e.g.
desirable levels of government expenditure, science and technology
manpower needs, areas for priority action, etc.


develop the start-up of technology-based firms.



A National Policy on Science &Technology for T&T


23
facilitate the development of partnerships between industry, science and
technology institutions, and government to foster technological
advancement, innovation, communication and training.

strengthen the capacity of SMEs for absorbing new technologies.
Companies will have easier access to expertise at the highest level in
technological, organizational or management methods. Activities will be
intensified in order to create improved links between the various science,
technology and innovation systems with SMEs.


harness additional resources for research, technology and
innovation from business and industry, the University, international
agencies etc.


mobilize other community instruments. Efforts will be directed to
environmental protection (attention to major pollution problems from
industries) and sustainable development, services sector, rural
development etc. Ongoing support and encouragement will be
directed to environmental research and natural resources
management. This will create wider public intervention and support
for science, technology and innovation.


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24

S SC CI IE EN NC CE E P PA AR RK KS S



A Science Park, concisely put, is a special type of business park
uniquely suited to serve the facility-location needs of technology-
oriented companies. It is affiliated with and located close to a
university or one or more institutions of higher education or centres of
advanced research, which seeks to spawn new start-up companies
and products from university research programs. A park would be
created to encourage, support and strengthen innovation, transfer of
technology and productization. It would foster knowledge-based
businesses and nurture them into productive, job-producing activities
and enterprises. It would also provide an environment for the
entrepreneurial spirit and one in which larger and international
businesses can develop specific and close interactions with a
particular center of knowledge creation for their mutual benefit.
Ideally this should be a 3-in-1 park: a research park; a science park
(i.e. development and prototyping) and a business park (i.e venture
capital, commercial productization, revenue and profit generating).
All are combined to create a dynamic, interactive center of self-
sufficiency to the fullest extent possible.

The development of a Science Park in Trinidad and Tobago should be a working
system that integrates science and technology-based enterprises with local
industrial and commercial activity and with a strong component of indigenous
scientific and technological know-how derived from the local centres of education
and training.
The Science Park could start with a significant component of essentially
externally-propelled industry which must be carefully assessed and should show
a reasonable chance of evolving into enterprises that become more and more
integrated with local resources natural as well as human. Therefore, the
following focus should be on encouraging this progression by strategies such as:


increasing the pool of science and technology trained personnel at every level

encouraging a spirit of innovation via:
the education system
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25
recognition of innovative endeavour

developing integrative approaches towards the development of an idea or
invention to innovation to commercialisation and encouraging them via such
supportive services as business incubators, fiscal incentives, and collaborative
arrangements between research personnel and commercial enterprise.
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26


T TH HE E P PR RI IV VA AT TE E S SE EC CT TO OR R A AN ND D T TH HE E T TE EC CH HN NO OL LO OG GY Y I IM MP PE ER RA AT TI IV VE E


T
he thrust of this policy is to support business and industry efforts to
enhance industrial competitiveness, wealth and employment creation
using scientific and technological resources including a well trained work
force. However to reap the benefits of this, a greater sense of
understanding, urgency and specific strategies to deal with technology and
its benefits are required of individual firms. Novelty, experimentation and
quality, achieved through technological innovation and human resources
development, must become priority issues for businesses. This can only be
achieved through research, development and training plans that are linked
to corporate strategy. Industry must forge and value partnerships between
itself and the University, technical training institutes, and research and
development institutes. This is particularly important for small and
medium sized businesses which often do not have the resources to conduct
research or commercialize results of research and development or identify
technological needs or train their staff. However, many businesses look
upon research and development and staff development as an added cost
and a more risky expenditure than normal business expenditure.
Government's policy will be to pro-actively encourage greater private
sector participation in the research, development, commercialization,
training, and technological imperative through the creation of an
environment that encourages innovation, partnerships, and expansion free
of unnecessary barriers and through fiscal incentives to the private sector.
Incentives to be considered by Government include the following:




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27


FISCAL INCENTIVES TO INDUSTRY

tax relief on the profits of pioneering companies which add high
value to local resources or which emphasise the use of high
technological skills.

tax relief on research and development expenses particularly for
capital expenditure incurred by a firm in the development of a
research capability. Also for activities performed in Trinidad &
Tobago related to adaptation, modification, design and quality
improvement in a product or process and which may have been
executed with the support of local research and development
institutions.

encouraging multinational companies to site some or all of their
engineering, product and process development, research and
quality services in Trinidad and Tobago through a favourable tax
regime.

tax relief for industries which acquire know how or patent rights
from overseas manufacturers.

tax relief for specialised, high level post-graduate education,
specialised technician training, and the transfer of skills at
institutions or industries abroad.



EXPECTATION OF GOVERNMENT

In a dynamic and vibrant industrial economy, Government expects
the private sector to be the dominant player with respect to
technological change and innovation, through focused research
and development, the commercialization of new products and
processes, and the training of nationals in specialised areas of
science, technology and innovation.
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28

R RE ES SE EA AR RC CH H A AN ND D T TE EC CH HN NO OL LO OG GI IC CA AL L P PR RI IO OR RI IT TI IE ES S

A
long term financial and technical commitment is required to steadily
develop local businesses in support of Trinidad and Tobago's key
industrial strengths. These strengths provide a focus for targeting research
and technological innovation, for human resource development, and
particularly for directing financial and other resources. Trinidad and
Tobago's cluster industry strengths have been identified as:

Food Processing, Agriculture, Agro-Industry;

Petroleum, Natural Gas, Asphalt, Energy;

Manufacturing, particularly in small and medium sized enterprises;

Tourism and Culture;

Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals

The Environment;

Information Technology and Telecommunications; and

Materials and Construction.

The partnership approach, financial, technical and human, will use science,
technology, innovation and commercialization to enhance the
competitiveness and quality of these industrial clusters. While in the past
twenty-five years Trinidad and Tobago directed its efforts on building a
science, technology, research and development, and training capability and
this must continue, the focus now must also be on the outcomes of this
investment effort as the true test is not only how much is spent on this
infrastructure but how much is achieved in terms of the impact on Trinidad
and Tobago's socio-economic goals.
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29

C CR RE EA AT TI IN NG G A A N NA AT TI IO ON NA AL L C CU UL LT TU UR RE E O OF F S SC CI IE EN NC CE E, ,
T TE EC CH HN NO OL LO OG GY Y A AN ND D I IN NN NO OV VA AT TI IO ON N

T
he mobilization of science, technology and innovation as a driving force
for economic and social advancement will only flourish in a receptive
environment. The creation of a science consciousness and a technological
culture is therefore crucial for the development of an innovative and
competitive economy. A culture of science can have a positive impact
upon our society as science is a culture of hope; a culture of freedom to
search for truth; a culture of integrity, discipline and application; a
culture that spreads beyond national boundaries; and a culture of
dynamism. Technology is a culture of invention, innovation,
development, transfer and diffusion and is crucial for industrial growth
and entrepreneurship. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, working
with business and industry and the local science and technology
institutions, will harness science, technology and innovation for the
industrial growth and competitiveness of the nation, and will embark on
an initiative aimed at public education and awareness of science,
technology and innovation and its impact on social and economic progress.