The International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South was officially observed for the first time on 16th September 2024. This day highlights the essential role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in driving economic growth and sustainable development in the Global South, emphasizing equity in technological advancement.
This new annual observance aims to accelerate global efforts toward the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on the specific challenges faced by developing nations.
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Significance of International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South:
- Supporting Global Sustainable Development: The International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South underlines the importance of leveraging scientific and technological achievements for sustainable development. It aligns with global frameworks like the 2030 Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the SDGs.
- Creating Inclusive Growth: This day fosters awareness about the need for inclusive, fair, and participatory development by utilizing STI for achieving the SDGs, especially in the Global South, where inequalities in access to technologies remain a significant barrier.
- Focus on Equitable Access to Technology: The International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South calls attention to the necessity of fair technology access for developing countries to ensure they can contribute effectively to the global scientific community.
Background: The First-Ever International Day of STI for the South
- On 9 January 2024, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) passed resolution A/RES/78/259, designating 16th September each year as the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South.
- This proclamation follows the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 (G77) and China, which took place in Havana, Cuba, on 15-16 September 2023. During this summit, leaders emphasized the critical role of STI in tackling current development challenges faced by the Global South.
The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in Development:
- Economic Growth and Competitiveness: STI serves as a powerful catalyst for economic growth and competitiveness, helping countries move up the global development ladder.
- Bridging the Global Divide: While some nations in the Global South have made remarkable progress through STI, others still face significant hurdles due to limited technology access and governance issues.
- Challenges for the Global South: Governance and weak technology infrastructures continue to hinder many developing nations’ efforts to benefit from the advancements in STI. The International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South emphasizes the need for policy reforms to overcome these barriers.
Key Facts on Global STI Investment:
- R&D Investment Disparities: Despite global R&D expenditures reaching USD 2.5 trillion in 2022, the distribution of resources is heavily skewed toward high-income countries (HICs), which account for 77% of global R&D spending. In contrast, low-income countries (LICs) contribute just 0.3%.
- STI and Health Research: In 2022, HICs had 59 times more health researchers than LICs. Moreover, less than 0.2% of health research funding went to LICs, and only 0.5% of health products were designated for neglected diseases in LICs by the World Health Organization (WHO).
India’s Contributions to Global STI:
- Rapid Growth in R&D: India has witnessed a surge in R&D expenditure, increasing from Rs 60,000 crore in 2010-11 to Rs 1.2 lakh crore in 2023. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has also doubled its budget over the past decade.
- Breakthroughs in 5G and Semiconductor Manufacturing: India achieved the world’s fastest 5G rollout with over 2.70 lakh sites deployed within nine months. Additionally, India’s Semiconductor Mission is making strides with the construction of a USD 2.75 billion Micron plant in Gujarat.
- Rise in Global Scientific Rankings: India has climbed from 7th to 3rd place in global scientific publications rankings, overtaking most nations except China and the United States.
Conclusion: Empowering the Global South through STI
The International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South is a call to action for addressing the global disparities in technology access and STI advancements. By focusing on capacity-building, technological cooperation, and policy reform, this day aims to create a more inclusive and equitable world where all nations can harness the potential of Science, Technology, and Innovation to achieve sustainable development.
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FAQs
What is science, technology, and innovation?
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, and innovation refers to the introduction of new ideas, products, or methods that improve processes or outcomes.
What is the South-South Cooperation in science and technology?
South-South Cooperation refers to collaborative efforts among countries in the Global South to share knowledge, expertise, and resources in science and technology, aimed at achieving sustainable development and addressing common challenges.
What is the science, technology, and innovation strategy for South Africa?
South Africa’s strategy focuses on promoting research and development, enhancing innovation capacity, fostering collaboration between sectors, and ensuring that science and technology contribute to economic growth and social development.
What is the role of science, technology, and innovation in national development?
They drive economic growth, improve public health, enhance education, create jobs, and address social challenges by fostering sustainable practices and improving the quality of life for citizens.
What is the role of technology and innovation?
Technology and innovation enhance efficiency, solve problems, improve communication, and create new products and services, ultimately contributing to economic growth and societal advancement.
What are the benefits of science and innovation?
Benefits include improved quality of life, advancements in health and medicine, enhanced productivity, environmental sustainability, and increased knowledge and understanding of the world.
Who is the father of science?
Often referred to as the “father of science,” Galileo Galilei is recognized for his contributions to the scientific method and advancements in observational astronomy.
What are 10 advantages of science?
- Advances knowledge and understanding of the universe
- Drives technological innovations
- Improves healthcare and medical treatments
- Increases agricultural productivity
- Enhances environmental conservation efforts
- Supports space exploration and discoveries
- Provides solutions to global challenges (e.g., climate change)
- Fuels economic development and job creation
- Informs policy decisions through evidence-based research
- Enhances everyday life with technology and conveniences
What are 5 reasons science is important?
- Enhances our understanding of the natural world
- Fuels technological progress and innovation
- Supports healthcare improvements and disease prevention
- Addresses pressing global issues, like climate change
- Promotes critical thinking and informed decision-making
What is meant by innovation and technology?
Innovation refers to the process of creating new ideas or improving existing products or methods, while technology is the practical application of these innovations to solve problems or enhance efficiency.
What is science and technology in simple words?
Science is the study of how things work in the world around us, and technology is the tools and methods we use to make life easier or solve problems.
What is innovation in simple words?
Innovation is coming up with new ideas or ways to do things better.
What is a science, technology and innovation hub?
A science, technology and innovation hub is a collaborative space or center where researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses come together to develop new technologies and foster innovation through shared resources and expertise.