Science, technology, and innovation (STI) have the potential to significantly improve global development, yet their benefits are not fully realized, especially in developing countries. As world leaders prepare for the Summit of the Future, the focus is on how to better harness STI to address modern challenges such as access to technology, health care, and the growing digital divide. The UN’s development agenda recognizes the critical role of STI in accelerating progress, but the global system supporting innovation needs to evolve to address 21st-century challenges effectively.
| Key Challenges in STI | Impact |
|---|---|
| Unequal access to tech | Widening digital divide |
| Inefficient tech transfer | Limited benefits in developing countries |
| Concentration of innovation | Majority of capacity in a few countries |
Reassessing Policy Frameworks for Innovation
One of the main issues highlighted is the need to reassess policy frameworks to maximize STI’s potential for development. Many developing countries face long-standing challenges, such as unequal access to technology and an undersupply of innovations to meet key developmental needs. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed these disparities, especially regarding access to life-saving technology. New global shifts, including the rise of the digital economy and changes in geopolitics, require fresh approaches to national and international policy frameworks to ensure innovation benefits everyone and drives sustainable development.
The Role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)
Intellectual property rights (IPRs) play a vital role in supporting innovation, but their current structure often fails to serve development purposes. While IPRs are meant to encourage technological research, they also create barriers by making products like medicines and other innovations expensive and inaccessible in many parts of the world. Developing countries struggle with navigating IPR systems and do not always make full use of the flexibilities allowed, such as compulsory licensing, which can reduce costs and improve access to important technologies.
Making Better Use of Policy Space
Developing countries can make better use of existing policy space to address contemporary challenges like climate change, energy transition, and future pandemics. They can utilize flexibilities in international agreements to prioritize public interests, such as reducing the cost of essential medicines or advancing clean energy technology. Instruments like copyright for creative industries or protecting Indigenous knowledge can also stimulate local innovation. However, these countries often face obstacles like trade sanctions, information gaps, and political pressure, which hinder their ability to use these tools effectively.
- Compulsory licensing: Reduces costs of essential goods
- Government procurement: Prioritizes local industries
- Copyright protection: Stimulates creative sectors
Supporting Innovation in Developing Countries
International organizations need to provide more proactive support to help developing countries develop their own intellectual property frameworks. This support could help them better leverage TRIPS flexibilities and ensure that new technologies are used ethically and sustainably. For instance, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an example of how regional cooperation could strengthen IPR policies and promote structural transformation and equity. Collaborative research and development models, such as those used in agricultural research, could also expand to include other sectors.
Global System for Innovation in the 21st Century
The current global system supporting innovation must be reassessed to meet modern challenges. More emphasis needs to be placed on inclusive innovation, ensuring that technological advancements are accessible to all countries, not just the wealthiest. Drawing from the experiences of developing nations and encouraging knowledge-sharing will be crucial in designing a system that works for everyone. As the world looks to the future, global governance needs to evolve to ensure that STI is a tool for reducing inequality and supporting sustainable development.
Conclusion
To fully realize the potential of science, technology, and innovation for global development, there must be a concerted effort to reassess and reform existing frameworks. Intellectual property rights, international cooperation, and innovative policies should be used more effectively to benefit developing countries. By supporting these nations in harnessing the power of STI, we can ensure that global development is more equitable and sustainable.
