Establishment of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation: Functions and Challenges Ahead
Image source, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology
While the government’s establishment of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation reflects a positive step prioritizing innovation, stakeholders emphasize that its effectiveness will depend on budget allocations and the formulation of appropriate rules and laws.
Previously, the science and technology portfolio oscillated between being under the Education or Environment Ministries or operating as a separate ministry. However, this is the first time innovation has been explicitly added to the ministry’s title, highlighting a new emphasis.
“The Ministry of Science and Technology has existed for some time, and the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, 2076 already predates this. Now, by adding innovation, it appears the government aims to continue or further address aspects of that policy,” said environmental scientist and researcher Uttam Babu Shrestha.
Former minister and current parliamentarian Mahavir Pun has long advocated for separating the science and technology ministry from education and including research and innovation within it. He expressed satisfaction with the government’s new distribution of responsibilities.
“I have fought a lot on this issue, but even as a minister, I couldn’t achieve separation. I have staged protests demanding this from the current majority government,” he told the BBC.
Following the enactment of the Government of Nepal Work Division Regulation, 2083, President Ramchandra Paudel has reshuffled the Council of Ministers. The newly formed Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation is currently overseen by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who has taken direct charge.
This ministry is tasked with formulating policies, laws, and standards related to science, technology, and innovation.
It will also oversee scientific research, invention, promotion, and development in these fields.
Additionally, policies, laws, plans, and research technologies involving innovation fall within this ministry’s jurisdiction as well.
What Is Innovation?
Innovation is generally understood as the process of creatively applying new inventions, technologies, and knowledge in practice to bring convenience or benefits.
“Innovation involves making a technology or practice cheaper, easier, and more accessible,” researcher Shrestha explained.
“For instance, the Wright brothers inventing the airplane was an invention. But making the process of purchasing airplane tickets universally accessible via mobile devices constitutes innovation. It made the service easier for everyone and reduced costs.”
According to Shrestha, science, technology, and innovation are deeply interconnected concepts.
“Building the airplane is technology, the physics principles related to it constitute science, and innovating how people operate the airplane is innovation. Innovation is not possible without scientific discovery and technology,” he said.
Why Is the Ministry of Innovation Necessary?
Shrestha emphasized the need to integrate ecosystems spread across different sectors to effectively promote innovation alongside science and technology.
“For example, one agency handles copyright-related work, another manages international registration, and the Ministry of Finance manages innovation-related grants. Because these activities take place across different entities, a single ministry is needed to coordinate them,” he said.
Combining science, technology, and innovation under one structure is expected to facilitate improved research, appropriate technology development, and accessible innovations.
Former minister Pun argues that neglecting science, technology, and innovation will impede the country’s progress.
“The economy’s engine is science, technology, and innovation. Even if the vehicle is well built, it won’t run without an engine,” he said.
Shrestha also stresses the importance of building an overall ecosystem related to science, technology, innovation, and research.
“Nepal has nearly forty-six government research institutions. What do they do? By creating an ecosystem that connects all of them to the economy and public life, the newly formed ministry can be made successful,” he stated.
Challenges Ahead
Image source, Getty Images
Experts identify resource scarcity as the primary challenge in advancing science, technology, and innovation.
“The ministry exists, but the main problem hampering tangible benefits for the country is the budget,” Pun said. “Simply creating a ministry won’t help if a fixed GDP percentage is not invested in research.”
“Developed countries invest 3–5% of GDP. I have made a formal request to the Finance Minister to allocate at least 1% of capital expenditures and this needs to be expanded.”
Researcher Shrestha agrees on the critical role of a dedicated innovation fund.
“Countries like the US, China, and India have specific source arrangements, but Nepal lacks these. An innovation fund should be established, as also mentioned in the policy,” he added.
The National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, 2076 provides for the creation of a separate fund for scientific research, technology development, and innovation.
Former Science Minister Ganesh Shah notes that despite policy formulation, lack of enabling legislation has hindered implementation.
“While the ministry exists, priority in policies and programs is not apparent. Budgeting and expenditure procedures heavily influence this,” he said.
Parliamentarian Pun is actively working on the ‘Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation Act.’
“When the previous government introduced eight ordinances, I proposed including this act, but it was not accepted. As a minister, I prepared and submitted this draft law,” he said.
“I will continue actively pursuing this legislation.”
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