caribbean regional report on priorities
DESCRIPTION
CARIBBEAN REGIONAL REPORT ON PRIORITIESTRANSCRIPT
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CARIBBEAN REGIONAL REPORT ON PRIORITIES
Authors: MENON network;
EUCARINET Caribbean partners
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Copyright notice:
Copyright © APRE.
EUCARINET (Strengthening sustainable scientific cooperation between Europe and the Caribbean) is a project co-funded
by the European Commission in its 7th Framework Programme under the Grant Agreement no 244510 running from 1st
April. 2010 to 30th March 2014.
The information contained in this document reflects only the author's views and the Community is not liable for any use
that may be made of the information contained therein.
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Contents SUB REGIONAL PRIORITY MAPPING ........................................................................................................................ 5
Spanish Speaking Sub-region: Cuba ...................................................................................................................... 5
1. S&T context in the country ................................................................................................................... 5
2. S&T priorities ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
3. Description of main priority areas .................................................................................................................. 6
Spanish Speaking sub-region: Dominican Republic ......................................................................................... 7
1. S&T context in the country ............................................................................................................................... 7
2. S&T priorities ............................................................................................................................................... 9
3. Description of main priority area .................................................................................................................. 10
French-speaking Sub –region ................................................................................................................................. 12
1. General aspects of S&T .................................................................................................................................... 12
2. Priorities ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
English-speaking sub region ................................................................................................................................... 14
1. General aspects of S&T .......................................................................................................................... 14
2. S&T Priorities.................................................................................................................................................... 16
3. Description of priority areas ........................................................................................................................ 16
Dutch-speaking sub-region ..................................................................................................................................... 19
1. General aspects of S&T ................................................................................................................................. 19
2. S&T priorities.................................................................................................................................................... 20
Regional developments .............................................................................................................................................. 20
General conclusions ................................................................................................................................................... 21
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................................. 23
ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................. 25
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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The deliverable presents the findings of the research priorities mapping exercise run by the EUCARINET Caribbean partners, under the coordination of MENON. The objective of the exercise was to “Identify priority Research and Innovation (S&T) themes of general Caribbean interest that can support the policy dialogue and lead to future EU – Caribbean projects”. The information was collected by the EUCARINET Caribbean partners and is presented following a simple schema: a brief introduction of the countries/sub-regions1 main S&T policy plan, the main actors involved in S&T in the sub-region, the three main priority areas along with the sub-themes identified, and the private actors involved as well as some cases of excellence. Most of the sources come from policy plans and governmental and research experts that have been interviewed. A short conclusion chapter with a priority summary table is also included at the end of the document in order to facilitate the grouping and visualization of the findings and the common themes identified. Although differences exist across counties/subregions, some themes can be identified as areas of common priorities (Energy, Environment, Food production/agriculture and ICT) that can serve as a starting point to discussions and collaborative research not only across the Caribbean but also towards Europe.
One of the main objectives of the EUCARINET project is to “Identify priority RTD themes of common interest that can support the policy dialogue and lead to future EU – Caribbean projects”.
The present document presents the findings of the priority mapping exercise run by the EUCARINET Caribbean partners, under the coordination of MENON. Methodologically speaking, the Caribbean partners collected the information through desk research. The sources consulted (if applicable) can be found at the end of this document. The information is presented following a simple schema: a brief introduction of the countries/sub-regions main S&T policy plan, the main actors involved in S&T in the sub-region, the three main priority areas along with the sub-themes identified, and the private actors involved as well as some cases of excellence. Most of the sources come from policy plans and governmental experts that have been interviewed.
This document is divided by sub-region and in some case by country (i.e., Spanish sub-region divided into Cuba and Dominican Republic), presenting
The main findings of the mapping exercise. A short conclusions chapter with a priority summary table is also included at the end of the document in order to facilitate the grouping and visualization of the findings and the common themes identified.
It is important to highlight that although each country seems to have a different set of priorities and needs from a policy point of view, some themes can be identified as common points that can serve as a starting point to discussions and collaborative research not only across the Caribbean but also towards Europe.
The present document represent a first set of findings that will be fine-tuned and discussed during the workshops that EUCARINET will organize in 2011, involving Caribbean experts along the areas spotted by the present report.
1 Within EUCARINET, the Caribbean is analysed following a division among linguistic subregions: the English-speaking Caribbean, the
Dutch-speaking Caribbean, the French-speaking Caribbean; Cuba and the Dominican Republic are treated as two separated countrie
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SUB REGIONAL PRIORITY MAPPING
Spanish Speaking Sub-region: Cuba
1. S&T context in the country
The Cuban governmental priorities of scientific research and technological development were updated in September 2005, following a wide consultation which involved the scientific community, centres, leaders, scholars, ministries and provinces; which reached a consensus on what Science and Innovation shall focus on, with the final aim of solving vital problems that the country faces today. The main actor in charge of S&T in the country is the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA); who is also responsible of the elaboration and implementation of the whole strategy at different stages and levels. Currently the Cuban spending in S&T is reportedly around 0.44% of GDP22
2. S&T priorities
It is important to highlight that although some priorities are a central focus for present and future research, complex and active interaction and integral analysis among all sectors of priorities is encouraged in the country in order to draw policies, programmes and projects that are solid, coherent and relevant for the development of science and technological innovation. Examples of this are the areas of social and human sciences as well as environment, which are transversal to all specific lines and priorities.
The main priorities, as identified by CITMA, are hereby presented: Priority Sub – themes
Priority Sub - themes
Food Production
Health Development of new vaccines, new biotechnological and pharmaceutical products as well as new diagnostic and medical equipment
Cancer research
Research for animal transmitted diseases
Addiction and toxic habits
Environment and health
Nutrition
Integration of natural and traditional medicine
2 http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS.
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Priority Sub - themes
Energy Subthemes of high experience: Eolic, hydroenergy, Solar, Solar – Thermal, Sugar cane biomass, Energy efficiency.
Subthemes with some experience: Bio fuels, cogeneration, biogas.
Subthemes with low experience and high costs: Marine energy, Fuel cells.
Development of Industry and Services Minor relevance
Social Sciences and Humanities Minor relevance
Environment Minor relevance
3. Description of main priority areas
a) Environment
The National environment strategy valid since 1997 has contributed to identify the main environmental issues that
science, technology and innovation can tackle thus rationalizing the use of natural resources in the areas of sustainable
economical and social development. These areas of research are in line with the main environmental issues defined in
the current National Environmental Strategy 2007-2010. The sub themes include:
Water management for agricultural, industrial and domestic use
Prevention and mitigation of natural disasters in order to reduce the impact on the population, economy and
environment
Erosion and dry land prevention related to efficient food production
Solution research to reduce and control pollution coming from urban, agricultural and industrial waste
production
Increasing forestry coverage as an important booster to guarantee biodiversity and adaptation to climate
change specially due to the insular condition and geographical position of the country
b) KBBE and Food production
Food production, especially in terms of new knowledge for food production, biotechnology and transgenic food
implications and of development of species tolerant to biotic and a biotic stress and also research on wild species and
conservation of wild resources. In order to meet the goal of efficient production and erosion mitigation, research on
ecosystem and soil recovery will be necessary. In addition, research on plague and diseases treatment with natural
products shall be strongly considered. It is furthermore encouraged to do Research on the field of medical genetics,
bionic, bioinformatics, Nanosciences for health, social psychology, tissues engineering among others.
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c) Energy
Regarding renewable energies several groups have been established:
Group 1 - Experienced research has been studied in the following themes:
• Eolic
• hydroenergy
• Solar
• Solar
• Sugar cane biomass
• Energy efficiency
Group 2: Potential themes subject to further research and where some experience has been acquired:
• Bio fuels
• Cogeneration
• Biogas
Group 3: No experience due to high cost research
• Marine energy
• Fuel cells
As for industries and services development a close link must be made in the following areas: Environment, basic
sciences, ICT, food production, energy and social sciences and humanities. Other areas are also considered strategic for
the next period, such as bioinformatics (also identified in the Health area), new materials, neurosciences, Nanosciences
& nanotechnologies, large-scale scientific computing: models, simulation, languages, software.
Spanish Speaking sub-region: Dominican Republic
1. S&T context in the country
The Dominican Republic in recent years has taken important steps to establish a stable and consistent Science and
Technology S&T policy; the responsible institution is the “Ministry of science technology and innovation” (MEESCYT3)
created in 2001 as a complementary body of the Ministry of Education. The main objective is to guarantee opportunities
for permanent access to and permanence in higher education for all citizens, as well as scientific and technological
research necessary for the country’s development. In 2007 the MEESCYT has launched the “Strategic Plan for Science,
Technology and Innovation 2008- 2018”4 that can be defined as the main platform of political articulation among
3 Ministerio de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología de República Dominicana
4 http://www.seescyt.gov.do/planestrategico/Documentos%20relevantes/Plan_Estregico_SEESCyT_Web.pdf
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funding institutions and the national system of Science, Technology and Innovation. The Plan, which is a part of the Law
139-01 on the development of science and technology policies which is connected with the "National System of
Innovation and Technological Development" (SENIDT), looks for:
• Contributing to improving competitiveness of productive sectors through the synchronization with the national system
of higher education, science and technology.
• Supporting the process of integration and economic transformation.
• Strengthening the national economic transition process envisaged under the National Plan for Systemic
Competitiveness towards an economy based on knowledge and innovation.
As part of the MEESCYT, the Fondocyt5 fund finances development projects and promotion of innovation and applied
scientific research. Apart from the MEESCYT, others institutions play an important role in the development of the S&T in
the Dominican Republic, presented here below.
National Commission for Information Society and Knowledge It is the national body responsible for the design,
development and evaluation of the country’s information society and knowledge strategy. It has been
responsible for the formulation of public policies arising from this strategy and the definition of initiatives,
programs and projects leading to the successful realization of the same. They promote the strategic plan for
development the Information Society in DR6.
Dominican Institute of Telecommunications It is the State agency created by the General Telecommunications
Law (153-98) that regulates and oversees the development of the telecommunications market.
ITLA-Research Centre for High Technology The Technological Institute of the Americas (ITLA) runs the
International Centre for Research on High Technology (CREA) whose mission is to promote the development of
this discipline, with a view to enhancing the innovative capacities in the Dominican Republic. It is focused on
four thematic areas: information and knowledge society, software, undertake technological and geographic
information systems (GIS).
Institute of Biotechnology Innovation and Industry The mission of IIBI is to drive scientific research, technological
transfer and innovation, as well as technical consultancy, in areas relevant to national development, to help
improve the competitiveness of the Nation.
Cyber Park of Santo Domingo The Cyber Park of Santo Domingo was established in 2000 with the aim of
providing high-tech firms, modern infrastructure, services, education (training) and regulatory support.
Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD) It promotes the industrialization of the country and
represent and defend proactively Dominican industry interests, contributing significantly to the state and
transfer knowledge. AIRD has played a major role in the industrialization process country supporting the
emergence of new industries and aiming at country's sustainable development, taking on the great challenges in
terms of economic reforms the country has experienced in order to boost industrial development.
Dominican Association of Free Zones (ADOZONA) Is a non-profit organization made up of the associations
grouping the different free zone companies in the country and the private operators of industrial parks
throughout the national territory. It was founded with the purpose of representing and defending the interests
of the sector, seeking to promote a good climate for its development.
5 Fondo Nacional de Innovación y Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico de República Dominicana
6 http://www.cnsic.org.do/media/plan_edominicana/index.html
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National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP) CONEP mission is to lead the strengthening of the free enterprise
system, actively participating as an agent of change and transformation, the consolidation of democracy and its
institutions to promote economic and social development of the Dominican nation.
2. S&T priorities Domain Why How
Energy Energy it’s a fundamental element in the functioning of the country. In The Dominican Republic, blackouts occur daily and sometimes for long periods. This dysfunction is reflected in the economic and socio-economic reality in the Dominican Republic.
- Energy regulation has to come mainly from the public institutions, with the main objective of improving the policies and of building capacity of citizens to better manage energy. Improving the energy infrastructure s also a priority. - The green attitude, the creation of new sources of energy must be a main objective on this domain in DR. - Several initiatives for alternative energy, like: solar energy, Eolic energy, etc. are in place.
Agriculture & Food Supply The DR has diverse ecosystems; this results on the possibility of having different products from the land. Agriculture is still beyond its actual capacities and needs to be re activated. DR has a relative food self-sufficiency, but it is necessary to ensure its long term production
It is a responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture to promote programs and funding to agriculture. Also, the government is responsible to measure the impact of the loan given to small investors and producers who migrate to the city and drop out their lands. (http://www.agricultura.gob.do/). A strategic plan for sustainability is envisaged as a central priority
Information and communication technology
ICT’s is central to the development of research. The use of the ICT s is fundamental to share information. For the DR ICT is a priority that needs to keep performing actively as it is an excellent way to improve the skills in the country.
- Establishing long-term policies to allow the establishment of ICT transversely across the country. Education is key to meet this end. A school programme exists, but more access has to be provided - Promoting e-learning in the universities to allow students to have access to new and updated knowledge. Also the social networks can be useful and complementary - In terms of services, the implementation of digital certificates seems to be the future of banking & industries in the country
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3. Description of main priority area
Energy
Main priorities: Modify (revise) the policies that regulates the National Electric market, create a model to educate the
people in the country about the good way to use the energy and how to economise, identify new sources of energy as
“wind Energy” or “solar panels”, improve collection and encourage payment by consumers, reduce the loss distribution.
Research Capacity. Different institutions develop research in order to identify and improve the energy sector. These are:
the National Commission of Energy (http://www.cne.gov.do/), the superintendence of electricity
(http://www.sie.gov.do/), the Dominican Corporation of Electrical Companies from the State
(http://www.cdeee.gov.do/). Other private institutions do research but usually they have reserved the results. Other
main actors are: the Dominican Corporation of State Electrical-CDEEE responsible for managing the country's energy
park and the “Superintendence de Electricity” who are the main institutions in the public sector that regulate electricity.
Some private sector actors are here presented. Distributions and commercialization’s Companies: Edenorte, Edesur,
Edeste. Transmission Enterprise: Dominican Enterprise of Electrical Transmission, ETED. Generation’s Enterprise:AES-
ITABO, AES-Andrés, Dominican Power Partner), Enterprise of generation Haina, Metaldom, Company of de Electricity
from Puerto Plata, CEPP, GPLV (Generator Palamara la Vega), Consortium LAESA, MONTE RIO, SEABOARD.
Existent public or private initiatives. The “General Law of Electricity no. 124-01” was modified in 2007 and describes
clearly all the parameters concerning the generation, distribution and transmission of energy in DR7. Eolic Energy is
trying to be implemented in the Dominican Republic. Today's windmills are variable, and can only generate electricity
about 3,000 hours per year, while coal-fired thermal plants generate electricity for approximately 6,000 hours per year.
For this reason, it’s viable to install about 50% more wind energy capacity to generate the same amount of electricity.
Even with this disadvantage, the wind energy is a competitive option for consumers, especially low emission limits of
greenhouse gases.
Cases of excellence. AES Dominicana – Andrés represents an example of quality. It has received the ISO 9001(quality)
and ISO 14001 (environment). (http://www.aesdominicana.com.do). The “National Commission for Energy” in charge to
develop and coordinate the draft legal and regulatory rules.
Agriculture & Food Supply (linked to KBBE)
Main subthemes. Research in the production in controlled environments, Biotechnology, Loans to small investors.
Research Capacity. The ministry of agriculture and the CEDAF are the main institutions responsible of research in this
domain8. The “Institute of Innovation and Biotechnology and Industry, IIBI” does scientific research, technology transfer
and innovation, and technical consulting. The main research actors are The Ministry of Agriculture, The Dominican
Institute of Agricultural and Forest Research, IDIAF. Dominican Institute of Agriculture and Forestry Research, CEDAF.
National Institute for Hydraulic resources INFRHI, Agriculture bank, Dominican Agrarian Institute, IAD.
7 http://www.sie.gov.do/ley%20general.php
8 The last official report made by the ministry was updated in 2008. More information about this on:
http://www.agricultura.gob.do/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=rxEZQwL6BO0%3d&tabid=86&mid=807&language=es-DO
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Existent public or private initiatives. The Dominican Institute of Agriculture and Forestry Research (IDIAF) is the state
institution responsible for implementing policy and validation research in agriculture and forestry in the Dominican
Republic. Its main objective is to contribute to improving the competitiveness of Dominicans agribusiness. They
contribute also to the sustainability of economic, social, environmental and agro-industrial systems, in line with national
and international demand for its products.
Cases of excellence. The Institute of Innovation and Biotechnology and Industry, IIBI created in 2005, a new initiative
interested in conducting scientific research, technology transfer and innovation, and technical consulting in areas
relevant to national development in order to help improve the competitiveness of the nation. In addition, the Dominican
Institute of Agricultural and Forest Research, IDIAF it’s an important body in the research and Innovation in the
Agricultural domain.
Information and communication technology
Main subthemes. Advanced Network of Education Research, Distance Education and E-Learning, Broadband, e-
government, E-commerce, Access Infrastructure for social ends.
Research Capacity. Given the growth in the use of ICT in the society, research and high education institutions have been
called to consider a radical transformation not only of their structures and physical facilities, but in their organizational
infrastructure and processes. In 2009 the Dominican Republic recorded an enrolment of 367.407 students which means
a school enrolment rate of 28.8%, 43 Universities. During the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 until today, the institutions of
higher education have increased considerably in some cases doubling the existence of resources from 2005 related to
libraries, digital simulation laboratories, buildings, videoconference rooms, digital rooms, language rooms, among
others.
Main research actors. The National Commission for Information Society and Knowledge, the Dominican Institute of
Telecommunications, the Ministry of High Education, Science and Technology and ITLA-Research Centre for High
Technology are the main actors in charge.
The following public and private initiatives must be mentioned:
- The Cyber Park of Santo Domingo is a special space that provides high-tech firms, modern infrastructure, services,
education (training) and regulatory support.
- The Latin-American Science & Technology Development Program, CYTED whose principal objective is to contribute to
harmonious and sustainable development in the Latin American region through cooperation in science, technology and
innovation. They work in close relation with the Ministry of Higher Education.
- The ITLA-Research Centre for High Technology is still one of the main actors in the research community in the
Dominican Republic.
- “Orange R & D Skill Centre”. Its purpose is to advance the technological development of the nation and facilitate access
to information and knowledge of technology to students, young professionals, as well as strengthening the business
climate, training local talent vital for the country's competitiveness and business innovation.
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- The “NAP (Network Access Point) of the Caribbean” is the main center of wireless connectivity in the Dominican
Republic. It main objective is to guarantee high standards of quality and safety for telecommunications companies in the
country.
Cases of excellence. The Research center for High Technology (ITLA) has been answering to the new generation of high
technology, research and innovation network demands. In addition, “The Nap (Network Access Point) of the Caribbean”
is doing an excellent labor in this domain.
French-speaking Sub –region
1. General aspects of S&T
Every department (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guyana) has a National Strategy of Innovation (SRI in French) which
is the reference document for S&T, with the general objective to boost competitiveness in order to make the region
more attractive for developing research and innovation initiatives. The three French Caribbean territories are part of the
overseas regions of Europe (RUP in French) and in being so, they are beneficiaries of European financial aids in order to
update their level of S&T
The public actors in charge of S&T are the Ministère de l’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche : Direction régionale
de la recherche et de la technologie (DRRT), the Ministère de l’économie, de l’industrie et de l’emploi - Direction
régionale de l’industrie, de la recherche et de l’environnement (DRIRE), the Ministère de l’Agriculture, de l’Alimentation,
de la Pêche, de la Ruralité et de l’Aménagement du territoire and the Ministère de la Santé et des Sports.
The main research institution is the Université des Antilles et de la Guyane (UAG), a regional university composed of the
following research units :
LABORATOIRE DE MATHEMATIQUES INFORMATIQUE ET APPLICATIONS (LAMIA)
BIBLIOTHEQUE NUMERIQUE DE RECHERCHE EN MATHEMATIQUES ET INFORMATIQUE (BNRMI)
CENTRE COMMUN DE CALCUL INTENSIF (C3I)
CENTRE COMMUN DE CARACTERISATION DES ANTILLES ET DE LA GUYANE (C3MAG)
LABORATOIRE DE RECHERCHE EN GÉOSCIENCES ET ENERGIES (LARGE)
CONNAISSANCE ET VALORISATION : CHIMIE DES MATERIAUX, ENVIRONNEMENT, ENERGIE (COVACHIM-M2E)
QUALITÉ ET VALORISATION DES PRODUITS VEGETAUX TROPICAUX (QUALITROP)
ADAPTATION, CLIMAT TROPICAL, EXERCICE ET SANTE (ACTES)
EPIDEMIOLOGIE DES PARASITOSES TROPICALES EN GUYANE ET AUX ANTILLES FRANCAISES (EPT)
PHYSIOPATHOLOGIE ET PHARMACOGENOMIQUE DU TRAITEMENT DE LA DREPANOCYTOSE (collaboration with
Paris 7) (UMR INSERM)
NEUROLOGIE ET VIROLOGIE TROPICALE (NVT)
CANCER ET ENVIRONNEMENT LOCALISATION TETE ET COU
CENTRE DE RECHERCHES INTERDISCILPLINAIRES EN LETTRES, LANGUES, ARTS ET SCIENCES HUMAINES
(CRILLASH)
CENTRE DE RECHERCHES ET DE RESSOURCES EN EDUCATION ET FORMATION (CRREF) ( collaboration with the
UFM)
ARCHEOLOGIE INDUSTRIELLE, HISTOIRE, PATRIMOINE, DEVELOPPEMENT DE LA CARAIBE (AIHP-GEODE)
BIBLIOTHEQUE VIRTUELLE DE RECHERCHE SUR LA CARAIBE ET LA REGION AMAZONIE
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CENTRE DE RECHERCHE SUR LES POUVOIRS LOCAUX DANS LA CARAIBE (CRPLC)
CENTRE D'ETUDES ET DE RECHERCHES JURIDIQUES EN DROIT DES AFFAIRES (CERJDA)
CENTRE D'ETUDE ET DE RECHERCHE EN ECONOMIE, GESTION, MODELISATION ET INFORMATIQUE APPLIQUEE
(CEREGMIA)
CENTRE DE RECHERCHE EN ECONOMIE ET EN DROIT SUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT INSULAIRE (CREDDI)
SYSTEMATIQUE, ADAPTATION, EVOLUTION (with the support of Paris 6, MNHN)
DYNAMIQUE DES ECOSYSTEMES CARAIBES ET BIOLOGIE DES ESPECES INFEODEES (DYNECAR)
The following public research organisms, private or dependant of other ministries, must be mentioned:
Institut PASTEUR
INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique)
CIRAD (Centre International de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement)
CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire)
INSERM (Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale)
BRGM (Bureau de la Recherche Géologique et Minière)
OVSG/IPGP (Observatoire Volcanologique de la Guadeloupe)
Météo-France
Centre Caribéen de la drépanocytose
INRAP (Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives)
CBAF-Guadeloupe (Le Conservatoire botanique des Antilles française)
ONF (office national des forêts)
Parc National de Guadeloupe
CEMAGREF- antenne régionale
"OVMP IPGP, (Observatoire Volcanologique et Sismologique de Martinique)
IFREMER- Délégation des Antilles
IRD (Institut de Recherche sur le Développement)
Antenne de la Martinique du Conservatoire Botanique des Antilles Françaises
AgroParisTech
CNRS (Centre National de Recherche Scientifique )
CNES /CSG (Centre National des Etudes Spatiales/Centre Spatial de Guyane)
HYDRECO
INRAP (Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives )
IFREMER
LHUPM (Laboratoire hospitalo-universitaire en Parasitologie et Mycologie)
Parc amazonien de Guyane
The active private actors related to S&T in the region are:
Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Guyanana
Chamber of Agriculture
MEDEF in the 3 DFA: French Enterprise Movement (Organisation representing directors of French Companies)
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2. Priorities
Although the countries form the French sub-region share common policies as French overseas departments, it is difficult
to come up with three common priorities for all of them. Therefore, the following priorities listed by department.
Two special themes are keen to boost a real technological development on innovation under the framework of SRI in the
Guyana region: Biodiversity valorisation and ICT.
The following sectors have been identified in Guadeloupe: Renewable energies and alternative energies, Materials and
risks, Biodiversity valorisation, ICT.
Two axes have been identified in Martinique: New developments in agriculture and Valorising renewable. Energy.
In addition to these axis - identified on the SRI priorities, the Antilles Guyane University has identified as well other
important axis of priorities: Health and sport and Tropical environment.
English-speaking sub region
1. General aspects of S&T
The English-speaking Caribbean comprises 12 Independent Countries and 6 British Overseas Territories. It is the stated
policy of all the governments to promote Science & Technology but it is difficult to judge how effectively this is done.
Table 1 shows the Ministries and Agencies in charge of Science and Technology in all of these (excluding Bermuda).
Currently the average regional spending in S&T is reportedly around 0.13% of GDP.
The English-speaking Caribbean does possess an extensive institutional Science and Technology infrastructure in
agriculture which is presently understaffed and lacking in regional coordination. In non-agriculture areas, there are
Research institutions, tertiary institutions (the largest of which is the University of the West Indies) as well as a growing
network of Bureaux of Standards within the larger territories8. The recent past has seen a decline in interest in S&T
within the region, with little attention directed on a national level, the exception being larger territories such as Jamaica,
Trinidad &Tobago and Barbados.
The nearest thing that comes close to a Master plan for S&T in the Sub-region is “Science, Technology and Innovation for
Sustainable Development – Caribbean Regional Policy Framework for Action” 5 prepared by the Caribbean Council for
Science & Technology (CCST), an umbrella organization for various Caribbean National Councils for Science & Technology
(NCSTs). It should be noted that the membership of the CCST is not restricted to the Anglophone Caribbean but includes
Cuba and the US Virgin Islands. The CCST plan and the Caribbean Development & Cooperation Commission (CDCC)
Report8 provide a regional perspective while the policies for Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago are provided by
the relevant strategic plans1, 2, 3, 4, 6.
Several countries also have quasi-governmental agencies to engage the private sector in the development of new
technology-based enterprises, e.g. InvestBarbados in Barbados, but on a whole much needs to be done in this regard.
Most of these S&T policy documents do realise the need to increase private sector funding, and have detailed strategies
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to do so. The above-mentioned master plan by the CCST, also seeks to identify additional sources of financing for S&T,
which includes donor agencies and foreign support. Suggestions include efficient and flexible financing for business S&T,
comprising of Government tax incentives, as well as loans and grants from national, regional and international sources.
Long-term financial commitments will be encouraged such as venture capital funds for new technologies in businesses.
Table 1: The Ministries and Agencies in charge of Science & Technology within the English-speaking Caribbean Sub-
region
Contact Person Title Ministry Email Address
Dr Aidan Harrigan Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investments & Tourism
Edmond Mansoor Minister Ministry of Information, Science and Technology
Mr Philip Weech Director Ministry of the Environment [email protected]
Mr Lennox Chandler Director National Council for Science & Technology, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Ms.Yvonne Hyde Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Economic Development, Commerce and Industry, and Consumer Protection
Mr Clyde Lettsome Permanent Secretary Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour
Hon.W McKeeva Bush Minister Ministry of Finance, Tourism & Development
Mr Felix Gregoire The Cabinet Secretary Office of the Secretary to the Cabinet
Dr James de Vere Pitt Director National Science and Technology Council
Mr Navin Chandarpal Advisor Sustainable Development
Office of the President [email protected]
Dr. Conrad Douglas Director National Commission on Science and Technology
Mr John Skerrit Hon. Financial secretary Ministry of Finance [email protected]
Hon. Nigel Carty Minister of State Ministry of Finance, Sustainable Development, Information and Technology
Mr Crispin d' Auvernge Officer in Charge Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing
Mr Phillip Jackson Science and Technology Coordinator
Ministry of Telecommunications, Science, Technology and Industry
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Science, Technology & Tertiary Education
Mr Delton Jones Permanent Secretary Department of Economic Planning and Statistics
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2. S&T Priorities
The three major economies of the sub-region are Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. Accordingly, to identify
priorities from various sub-regional plans and documents, we have looked at such policy documents from these three
countries as well as the wider regional documents produced by the CCST5, the CDCC8 and the only University serving
the entire English-speaking Caribbean, the University of the West Indies (UWI)7. A sub-set of the English-speaking
Caribbean belongs to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) but we have been unable to identify any S&T
policy document from the OECS Secretariat. Table 2 highlights the different S&T priority areas relevant to the Caribbean
as indicated in the national and regional policy documents. The following three areas are found to be the most
important S&T priorities for the Anglophone Caribbean: Agriculture & Food Supply, Energy, and Environment & Climate.
If the Biology & Medicine category is ignored, this conforms with the highest ranking of the true S&T areas in Table 2.
Table 2: The S&T Priority and Sub-Priority areas for the English-Speaking Caribbean Region from Various Policy
Documents. (Score reflects number of times identified as a priority.)
S&T Priority Sub- Category
Agriculture & Food Supply FISHERIES, MARINE RESOURCES AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AGRO-INDUSTRY, FOOD PROCESSING, FOOD SECTOR FORESTRY
Energy PETROLEUM NATURAL GAS ASPHALT ENERGY & ENERGY BASED INDUSTRIES ALTERNATIVE ENERGY & ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Environment & Climate ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COASTAL MANAGEMENT WASTE MANAGEMENT WATER MANAGEMENT NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT HAZARD & DISASTER MANAGEMENT
3. Description of priority areas
Agriculture & Food Supply, related to KBBE
In this category export agriculture dominates economic activity in the sub-region. Expenditures in this sector continue to
be the highest, with S&T activities undertaken by Ministries; National and sub-regional commodity institutions (for the
following produce: sugar cane, bananas, rice, citrus, coconut, cocoa and coffee); other national bodies (e.g. Scientific
Research Council, Jamaica); Regional and International institutions (CARDI, CAB, PROCICARIBE). Many of the commodity
institutions no longer carry out research internally, and sub-contract projects to CARDI or Universities. There is currently
an extensive but uncoordinated S&T infrastructure and a long history of agricultural education and research going back
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to the then Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture. Today primary commodity trading has declined and preferential
markets have been replaced by free-trade. New technologies, scientific advances, innovation and competition in the
agro-industry are the suggested solutions. In most countries/territories there is also usually a less prominent but key
fisheries sector in Ministries of Agriculture focused on the domestic market.
The Caribbean Regional Policy Framework 5 reflects the changing needs of the region to meet modern demands of the
new knowledge-driven era in line with the “single development vision” of the Caribbean Single Market & Economy
(CSME). This should foster greater collaboration and networking, thus optimizing scarce resources and optimizing STI
goals. It states that regional governments will modernize agricultural sectors, by increasing investment in Science and
Technology research and development, and acquiring the technological tools to:
▪ Enhance agricultural, forestry and fishery conservation, production and processing activities.
▪ Improve primary production, marketing, processing and export competitiveness.
▪ Control the use and abuse of natural resources by poor agricultural practices.
▪ Predict and mitigate the effects of global climate change on agriculture.
▪ Develop attractive and competitive value added products.
▪ Conserve and protect the genetic resources of the Caribbean.
The general strategies for the Region are to:
Improve primary production in areas of post-harvest technology and systems
Develop sustainable land management technologies
Develop agricultural systems predicated on conservation of biodiversity
Promote a herbal industry, nutraceuticals and functional foods sector
Promote appropriate commercial technological support systems to improve the competitiveness of the sector
Encourage improvements in shipping services for food transport in the Caribbean.
The Policy Priorities are to:
Provide for the protection of food sources
Develop best agricultural practices regarding the use and protection of natural resources
Establish an interaction between food security, health status and food policy
Establish a link to food safety in the health sector
Establish regulations and practices concerning food security, food safety for imports, job creation and revenue
enhancement.
Energy
Energy is one of the costliest items within the regional economies, and though there has been some investment and
research in alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal (e.g. in Nevis), fuel cell technologies,
biogas and energy derived from manufacturing waste products, these energy resources remain largely underutilised.
The region currently relies heavily on the use of costly and environmentally-unfriendly fossil fuels5, 8. The policy
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framework for the English-speaking Caribbean5 highlights the necessity for regional Governments to promote and
support the research, development, supply, and utilisation of affordable, efficient, sustainable and environmentally
friendly, alternative energy sources and technologies. Governments should also increase the amounts of financial
resources available for these efforts.
General Strategies for the region include: the encouragement of technology transfer through relevant joint partnerships
and projects within the Caribbean region, while strictly avoiding the adoption of obsolete technology solutions,
investment in technology commercialisation activities that develop and attract opportunities and support to the
development of photovoltaic capacity for electrification of remote areas.
The Policy Priorities are to:
Develop national energy models, including the formulation of appropriate energy policies and programmes
Establish stricter standards for energy efficiency and emissions, and regulations for energy users
Establish and review relevant environmental policies, and conduct relevant internal environmental audits
Institute fiscal incentives, including removal of import duties on solar panels, to encourage the use of alternative
energy sources, green technologies and environmentally-friendly practices
Provide incentives to electrical utilities for accelerated development, strengthen the environment for business
innovation opportunities, and encourage the assessment of market opportunities for energy efficiency.
Research priorities mentioned include:
Conduct rigorous analyses of natural resources, utilising databases, resource mapping and GIS, to inform
decisions making and development of national energy models
Create and foster linkages that increase opportunities for innovation.
Educational Priorities are also important in order to implement the mentioned strategies, this focus is on
training manpower and technology transfer capabilities
Building capacity in energy management, and promoting technologies and practices that reduce energy
consumption, especially in industry
Actively promoting alternative energy options in the education environment, such as the use of biogas and
waste products from manufacturing processes.
Environment & Climate
Any island state is vulnerable with its fragile ecosystems, therefore management systems for the Caribbean environment
focus efforts on bio-resources, wetlands, watersheds, hillside slopes, coastal zones, deforestation, water management,
construction methods, recycling, pollutants, waste disposal, sustainable tourism and natural disasters5, 8. The Caribbean
regional framework policy5 highlights the need for investment in environmental information management that includes
a reporting and auditing system.
The general strategies mentioned for the region are as follows:
Support the development of consistent and reliable frameworks for natural resource monitoring and reporting
in the region, incorporating the use of geographic information systems (GIS);
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Provide technical support for regional bodies involved in developing integrated regional natural resource
management plans;
Employ mechanisms for engaging all stakeholders, incl. governments and the agricultural industry
Foster the formation of firms in the environmental field
Provide support and encouragement for innovation, commitment and action, through community support
networks, and motivation through the recognition of accomplishments.
The policy priorities are to:
Provide for Integrated Coastal Management and manage invasive species;
Develop comprehensive legislation and guidelines to address Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) issues;
Develop knowledge management frameworks for biodiversity, to support decision-making at national and
regional levels
Develop regulatory policies addressing issues related to the exploitation and misuse of national and regional
biodiversity.
The Research Priorities are to provide funding for basic research and support research into several important priority
topics incl. support for graduate work and to cooperate for assessment of the state of the regional environment and
natural resource base, creating an information clearing house for sharing of result.
Other research clusters:
Within the findings of the English sub –region, other minor priorities were spotted. These can have a certain relation to
specific categories under the KBBE theme. These are:
Biology & Medicine BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOSAFETY HEALTH & WELLNESS BIODIVERSITY, GENETIC RESOURCES, NATURAL PRODUCTS PHARMACEUTICALS, MEDICAL & DENTAL SUPPLIES
Information & Communications Technology ICT (general) TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS COLLECTION & USE OF NATIONAL INFORMATION
Transport & Construction MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE TRAFFIC & ROAD QUALITY
Dutch-speaking sub-region
1. General aspects of S&T
The Dutch Caribbean islands are suffering from the high fossil energy prices. This development has led to the awareness
that science and technology must be applied to improve the S&T competencies both in the NGO’s/GO’s and private
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sector for the beneficial use in the areas of mutual interest for both parties. The use of renewable energy resources like
sun, wind and water that are continuously available on the Dutch Caribbean Islands with the objective to reduce the
energy costs and contribute to a green environment has the highest priority.
On governmental level we see an increasing willingness to invest in science and technology, that an energy policy has
been developed and that an energy advisory board has been set up to advise the government on energy issues. The idea
is that with the inception of this board the private sector will be stimulated to actively participate in the development of
renewable energy resources for the benefit of the islands. At the moment we don’t have the information about the
amount invested in S&T by the islands. On December 2010 a prime ministers of the islands meeting was held with the
purpose of finding the collective targets for the islands. Hopefully, more specific information the intention of the
ministers and also the ministries on the islands that will be in charge will be available
2. S&T priorities
The S&T priorities’ ranking is based on the new government plans of the Islands and the conversations that we had with
different stakeholders. Now we are collecting the documents policies related to this subject.
Given the above, the S&T priorities for the Dutch sub regions are as following:
1. Energy
2. Information and Communication Technology
3. Environmental and Climate and Social and economic concerns.
Regional developments
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is an organization of 15 Caribbean nations and dependencies, whose main
purposes are to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members, to ensure that the benefits of
integration are equitably shared, and to coordinate foreign policy. In a number of occasions, CARICOM leaders have
recognized the need to strengthen STI capacity for the region and have plead for member stated to implement
coordinated policies, with different degrees of success. In 2000, CARICOM designated the Caribbean Council for Science
and Technology (CCST) as the agency responsible for coordinating and implementing CARICOM’s policies and
programmes in Science and Technology. The CCST is an inter-governmental organisation, with a mandate to promote
regional cooperation in Science and Technology. The CCST is linked to the European Union in a particular way, since it is
supported by the Technical Centre for Agriculture & Rural Cooperation (CTA), a specialised agency of the ACP-EU Group,
funded by the European Commission.
In 2008, following a proposal by CCST, the CARICOM leaders endorsed the Regional Policy Framework for STI, as an
attempt to reflect the changing needs of the region to meet the demands of the new knowledge-driven era, as well as to
foster greater collaboration and networking within the Caribbean and internationally. The policy elaborates nine areas
for government intervention; infrastructure, policy and planning, development finance, innovation and
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entrepreneurship, standardization, human resource development, science and technology education, research and
development and regulatory framework and intellectual property rights. The policy is reflected in the “Caribbean
Regional Policy Framework for Action - Science, Technology & Innovation for Sustainable Development”, which presents
the vision of STI for the Caribbean: A globally competitive, industrialised Caribbean, transformed and enhanced, by
balanced and sustainable economic development in all key sectors, through the optimal advancement and application of
scientific and technological knowledge and innovation, to competitive advantage, for the production of modern and
advanced products and services, and for the improvement of the physical, social and cultural well-being of all Caribbean
people.
Twelve policy priority areas have also been identified for Caribbean development: Agriculture and the food sector,
Biotechnology and biosafety, Environmental Management, Coastal and Marine Resources Management, Waste
Management, Integrated Water Resources Management, Alternative energy and Energy Management, Disaster
Preparedness, Health, Sustainable Tourism, Development of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises, Information and
Communication Technology.
General conclusions
Every Caribbean sub-region has its specificities, due to the fact that each country has specific needs; therefore it is
difficult to establish a clear set of common priorities.
The table below summarizes the findings and helps identify at a few common areas
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Energy is a common priority as most of the islands share electric power deficiencies due to the high fossil energy prices
and restricted access. Environment is also a shared priority in several areas but in general biodiversity management is
common to all sub-regions. Food production related to Agriculture and sometimes Biotech is also present in most
regions at least once. Finally, ICT is important for all the sub-regions, especially in terms of ICT for development and for
societal needs9. In terms of how the priorities were described by the EUCARINET partners, there are several common
points within some priorities, and this can have a two-fold lecture: one the one hand some sub–categories might overlap
(such as sustainable energy and environment), on the other hand they can be complementary to one another on the
sense that discussions can be pushed further to tackle intertwined issues (ex: how can research on renewable energy be
an active part of solving agricultural sustainability).
9 Although health has not come up as a priority it can be considered as an interesting pole of discussion not only because it concerns
several KBBE issues, but because it can be a potential pole of collaboration between Europe and the Caribbean. In this sense Cuba who is at the top research in the region might be an important hub for S&T research exchange within the region and towards Europe.
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REFERENCES
Spanish Sub-region
Discurso sobre “Iniciativas Multilaterales Y Gubernamentales Para La Innovación En Educación Y Formación”.
Lcda. Ligia Amada Melo de Cardona, Ministra de Educación superior Ciencia y Tecnología de la República
Dominicana. Virtual Educa, UASD. Santo Domingo. Junio del 2010.
“Plan Estratégico de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación 2008-2018”. Ministerio de Educación Superior Ciencia y
Tecnología. Santo Domingo, 2008.
“Law 139-01 on the development of science and technology policies, and the articulation of the National System
of Innovation and Technological Development". Congreso de la República Dominicana. Agosto 2001.
AES Dominicana. Ing. Ana Paula Insturain. Analista Comercial. Tel. 809.955.2223 ext. 3417.
http://www.aesdominicana.com.do
Banco Agrícola de la Republica Dominicana. Lcdo. Cristobal Matos. Departamento de Planeación. Tel.
809.535.8088. http://www.bagricola.gov.do
Comisión Nacional para la Sociedad de la Información y el desarrollo. Plan estratégico e-dominicana 2007-2010.
http://www.cnsic.org.do/media/plan_edominicana/DesarrollohumanoyTIC.html#Topic8
Ministerio de Agricultura. Departamento de Relaciones Pública. Tel. 809.547.3888.
http://www.agricultura.gob.do
“Winds Caribbean - ICT research in the Caribbean: insights and perspective of cooperation with Europe”.
CARIMAC: Universiy of West Indies; FUNREDES; MENON Network; RIVELO; Universidad Iberoamericana;
Universidad Politécnica de Catalunya. October 2009. MENON Network EEIG.
English sub-region
Government of Trinidad & Tobago (n.d.) Vision 2020 Draft National Strategic Plan. Appendix 1 Report of the sub-
committee on Science & Technology. Ministry of Planning & Development, Port-of Spain.
Government of Jamaica (2005) National Commission on Science & Technology Strategic Plan 2005-2010.
National Council on Science & Technology, Kingston.
Government of Jamaica (2005) Science and Technology for Socio-Economic Development. A Policy for Jamaica.
NCST & Office of the Prime Minister, Kingston.
Government of Barbados (n.d.) Science & Technology Policy for Barbados. NCST, Bridgetown.
Caribbean Council on Science & Technology (2007) Science, Technology & Innovation for Sustainable
Development - Caribbean Regional Policy Framework for Action. Newtown, Trinidad & Tobago.
Government of Barbados (2007) Draft medium-term Development Strategy of Barbados. Ministry of Economic
Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry & Commerce, Bridgetown.
The University of the West Indies (2007) Strategic Transformation for Relevance, Impact, Distinctiveness &
Excellence. The University of the West Indies Strategic Plan 2007-2012. Office of Planning, UWI, St. Augustine,
Trinidad.
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Caribbean Development & Cooperation Commission (2006) Report on Science & Technology infrastructure and
policy in selected member and associate member countries of the CDCC. UN Economic Commission for Latin
America & the Caribbean (ECLAC), Sub regional Headquarters, Port-of-Spain.
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ABBREVIATIONS
CDCC - Caribbean Development & Cooperation Commission
CREA - Centre for Research on High Technology
DRIRE - Direction régionale de l’industrie, de la recherche et de l’environnement
DRRT - Direction régionale de la recherche et de la technologie
GIS -. Geographic information systems
ITLA - Research center for High Technology
NCST - National Councils for Science & Technology
OECS - Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
RUP - Caribbean territories are part of the overseas regions of Europe
UAG - Université des Antilles et de la Guyane
ACP-– Africa Caribbean Pacific Group
CARDI - Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute
CARICOM – Caribbean Community Secretariat
CCST - Caribbean Council for Science and Technology
CSME - Caribbean Single Market & Economy
CTA - Centre for Agriculture & Rural Cooperation
CYTED - Programa iberoamericano de ciencia y tecnología para el Desarrollo
GIS - geographic information systems
ICT – Information and Communication technologies
KBBE - Knowledge Based Bio Economy
NGO’s/GO’s – Non governemental Organisations/ Governmental Organisations
PROCICARIBE - Caribbean Agricultural Science and Technology Networking System
S&T – Science and Technology
UWI – University of West Indies