DoST plan to improve innovation ranking focused on agriculture, water

THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) said its plan to further improve the Philippines’ global innovation ranking involves research in key agricultural sectors like coconut and livestock, as well as improving the environment for water resources.

Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña said at a news conference Monday that the Philippines should focus on fields of research like “alternatives to pork meat and… chicken research.”

The Philippines rose 19 places in the 2019 Global Innovation Index to 54.

He said research resources should also be devoted to biomedical devices, mass transportation systems, machinery design, and energy storage and conservation.

“This is the reason why we have modified our monitoring and evaluation system… because we would like to invest in those that will give the best returns,” he said.

In addition to the output of university, industry, and research centers, DoST is also looking at the research of senior high school students, drawing in research from experts who have traditionally not received grants before.

He also cited the need to pay more attention to the work of small businesses, including start-ups.

“Start-ups… come up with innovations, even without R&D support,” he said, noting that the DoST is eager to provide research support at the prototype development stage via business incubators.

The Philippines performed well in indicators related to innovation linkages, high-tech imports, and research talent in the global innovation index.

Other bright spots were categories like firms offering formal training, productivity growth, ICT services exports, and creative goods exports.

The identified weaknesses were in ease of starting a business, ease of getting credit, expenditure on education, the presence of global R&D companies, the volume of scientific and technical articles and new businesses. — Jenina P. Ibañez