REGIONAL INDIC ATIVE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PL AN 3.6.2 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY • 4 7 Education in science and technology is biased against girls and the performance of schools are not encouraging because of low enrolment and progression rates, poorly trained teachers and inappropriate curricula. 3.6.2.1 Overview • As a region destined for deeper integration and the ultimate creation of a common market, it is imperative for SADC to cooperate on science and technology (S&T). There are gaps in legislation to protect intellectual property rights. • There is very little cooperation in science and technology between countries in the region. Scientific and technological innovation could form the basis for socio-economic development in the region. 3.6.2.3 Cooperation is essential in dealing with transboundary issues such environmental management, which often requires regional solutions that are based on science and technology. Collaboration and networking in addressing Evaluation of Science and Technology Policies and Strategies Several meetings have taken place in the region to issues of science, technology and innovation are deliberate on issues of science and technology in SADC. requirements at national, regional and global levels. The SADC Heads of Science and Technology met in April SADC Member States can maximize efficiency and 1999 to explore regional cooperation and made several effectiveness of their investment in research and recommendations. The absence of a dedicated regional technology development through regional cooperation structure to drive regional cooperation in science and and coordination. technology prevented the implementation of these recommendations. The SADC Heads of Science and 3.6.2.2 Technology met again in May 2002 to consider a proposal Review of Current Policies and Strategies on compiling a report on S&T collaboration and to identify The policies and strategies for regional cooperation in constraints thereto. One of the recommendations of the science and technology are not yet in place. However, the meeting was the proposal for a SADC Science, Engineer- then SADCC commissioned a study on regional science and technology which addressed the following five areas concerning S&T: the economic setting; education and human resources; national organization and management; the status of research and development institutions; and the legal aspects. The report of the study published in 1994 produced the following findings, some of which are still relevant today: • SADC economies are dominated by agriculture and ing and Technology Week to popularise science and technology in the region. An analysis of the current situation reveals the lack of policies and strategies and the absence of an institutional framework as the main factors preventing meaningful cooperation in science and technology within SADC. Chapter 4 of the Plan will address these issues and put forward proposals for implementation. mining and limited manufacturing which depend on • • • imported technologies. 3.6.2.4 Expenditure on research and technology development Challenges for Policies and Strategies (R&D) is way below 1% of GDP throughout the region. There is need for an institutional framework for regional Governments in the region offer little or no incentives integration and cooperation in science and technology, to the private sector to encourage research and which would include a legal instrument, well articulated development activities. policies and strategies and an organizational infra- There are shortages in scientific and technological structure to drive regional cooperation in science and human resources including artisans, technicians, technology. engineers and scientists, which are exacerbated by Priority issues of science and technology policies the brain drain due to more attractive research and strategies could include creation of a regional conditions in the developed countries. indicator programme and promoting public awareness