"National Systems of Innovation" means a set of functioning institutions, organizations and policies, which interweave constructively in the pursuit of a common set of social and economic goals and objectives; "Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan" means the plan, based on the strategic priorities and SADC Common Agenda, designed to provide direction with respect to SADC projects and activities; "SAMCOST" means the SADC Sectoral Ministerial Committee on Science and Technology, which comprises Ministers responsible for science, technology and innovation portfolios in Member States; "Science and Technology" means science, technology and innovation; "Senior Offteial" means a Permanent Secretary or a person of equivalent rank responsible for science, technology and innovation; "STI" means science, technology and innovation; "Treaty" means the Treaty establishing the Southern African Development Community; "Tribunal" means the SADC Tribunal established under Article 16 of the SADC Treaty. ARTICLE 2 OBJECTIVES The overall objective of this Protocol is to foster co-operation and promote, the development, transfer and mastery of science, technology and innovation in Member States in order to: (a) establish institutional mechanisms in order to strengthen regional cooperation and coordination of science, technology and innovation; (b) institute management and coordination structures, with clearly defined functions, which will facilitate the implementation of regional STI programmes; (c) promote the development and harmonization of science, technology and innovation policies in the Region; (d) pool resources for scientific research, technological development and innovation within the Region; (e) optimize public and private investment in research and development within the Region and leverage external contributions; 4