POLICY ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. POLICY ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BY: M.B. WILLIAMS DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

2. AIM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY • A tool or key to build up competences and competitiveness and assist the nation to achieve highest added value, efficiency and productivity in the delivery of goods and services through the use of science and technology.

3. Policy Formulation Process • The Lesotho’s first Science and Technology Policy is the consensus view, derived from a long, thorough and open consultation process that engaged all key stakeholders, from all walks of life.

4. Stages of Policy Formulation Process This policy formulation process was undertaken through various stages namely ; needsassessment, S&T situation analysis, sectoral consultations including Parliamentarian round table as well as; district consultations.The main aim was to build a sense of ownership and to develop a policy that is based on national needs and objectives.

5. Policy Formulation Process Cont. • The process among others included the formation of the National Taskforce that comprised of representatives from all S&T sector. The mandate of the Task Force was steer the process and build the capacity of the Department of Science and Technology.

6. Policy Formulation Process Cont. • The consultative process continued on various levels. The Department of Science and Technology through UNESCO commissioned a consultancy exercise ,where a group of local experts in research and development, together with the department carried out district consultative workshops country-wide.

7. Players • Government of Lesotho • UNESCO • ATPS • UNIDO • UNECA • UNCSTD • Local Scientific Community • Basotho-at-large

8. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF THE S&T POLICY • Foster stronger S&T human resource base • Develop a culture of innovation and creativity • Create job opportunities and alleviate poverty • Build a Vibrant information soceity • Promote and commercialize IKS

9. THE SIX PILLARS WHICH S&T POLICY SHOULD ADDRESS • What are the basic needs, strengths and resources of the nation? • How can S&T be applied to harness the Country’s material base and wealth? • Which sectors and in what order should Lesotho stake its financial and S&T resources? • What are Lesotho’s most urgent priority areas for technological skills and which are the best models and facilities to provide?

10. THE SIX PILLARS cont. • How can S&T assist Lesotho rationalize the scarce resources and balance its socio economic imperatives? • What strategies should Lesotho Government and Private Sector employ to enhance development of science and technology?

11. THE STRUCTURE OF THE S&T POLICY The Policy Environment • 1. Context to the Science and Technology Development • 1.1Capacity to sustain science and technology including Socio-economic considerations • 1.2Development Challenges • 1.3Economic Opportunities and Areas for S&T Focus • 1.4Rationale for Lesotho’s S&T Policy

12. THE STRUCTURE OF THE S&T POLICY cont. • 2. The Science and Technology Policy • 2.1 National Framework for S&T Development • 2.2 Integrating Basotho Core Values • 2.3 Basotho National Vision 2.4 Principles Guiding the S&T Policy • 2.5 Vision for Science and Technology • 2.5.1 Lesotho S&T Mission • 2.5.2 S&T Strategic Objectives • 2.5.3 S&T Core Policies Issues • 2.5.4 S&T Policy Implementation • 2.5.5 Core S&T Sector Issues • 2.5.6 General S&T Sector Strategies

13. THE STRUCTURE OF THE S&T POLICY cont. • 3. Strategic Framework for S&T Policy Implementation • 3.1 Research & Development Prioritization • 3.2 Fiscal and Other Incentives 3.3 Strategy for S&T Funding • 3.4 Legal and Administrative Support • 3.5 Institutional Arrangement for policy implementation; 3.5.1 Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology 3.5.2Department for Science and Technology

14. THE STRUCTURE OF THE S&T POLICY cont. 3.6 Policy Facilitation • 3.6.1 Ministry Responsible for Education and Training • 3.6.2 Ministry Responsible for Industry, Trade and Marketing • 3.6.3 Ministry Responsible for Agriculture, Land Reclamation and Food Security • 3.6.4 Ministry Responsible for Health and Social Welfare • 3.6.5 Ministry Responsible for Natural Resources ; 3.6.6 Ministry Responsible for Tourism, Culture and Environment • 3.6.6 The Private Sector and Parastatals • 3.6.7 Civic Organizations and Consumer Associations • 3.6.8 NGOs, Regional and International Agencies

15. THE STRUCTURE OF THE S&T POLICY cont. • 3.7 Cross Cutting Issues; • 3.7.1 Biotechnology • 3.7.2 Brain Drain • 3.7.3 Standards and Quality Assurance • 3.7.4 Gender Equity in S&T

16. Implementation Phase S&T POLICY New S& T Institutions • Lesotho Commission on Science & Technology (LCST) • S&T Innovation Trust Fund ( Foundation)

17. Components of the Inno-Fund Lesotho Innovation Trust Fund ; • Science Fund • Technology Fund • Innovation Fund

18. ANNEXTURES • Sector strategies to integrate science and technology • Example;Information and Communication Technologies (Sector dynamics, sector policy focus and sector strategies)

19. Implementation Stage • Role of UNESCO: • Formulation process • Publication (review) and Circulation; • Technical Backstopping/Assistance for Institutional Framework and Setting a sound S&T System Dr. Arnaldo Ventura from Jamaica; • National Consultations through a National Taskforce • Draft Legal Framework and Bill (2008)

20. Conclusion Policy formulation is indeed a process. It needs resilience, perseverance and dedication but, above all, readiness to the challenge is; policy implementation and pragmatic action-oriented strategies, integration into the national system of innovation, in line with national goals and objectives , which in turn should improve the well being of Lesotho Citizens