Intervention by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs K. Fragkogiannis at the 5th UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries / High-level Thematic Round Table 2: Leveraging the power of science, technology and innovation for the sustainable development of least developed countries (Doha, 5–9.03.2023)
Despite consensus on the transformative potential of Science Technology and Innovation (STI), there is lack of clarity on how Least Developed Countries (LDCs) can effectively implement it for inclusive and sustainable development. There are a number of issues we could look into:
First, Mobilizing all Available Talent
Since the future is digital, it is critical to invest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Reform of the educational systems in many LDCs can only be dealt with through strong political determination.
Second, Identifying Niche Opportunities
Some technologies work based on the classic “slicing up the value chain” approach. For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) relies on big data for its applications. While the higher end of the AI chain like idea generation and eventual application mostly takes place in developed countries, the other end such as data inputs, scrubbing and processing is often done in countries with lower wages. These activities can provide employment and build the skilled workers base that will enable further digital development.
Third, Encouraging Technology Transfer through FDI
It will be critical to incentivize investment from sources such as foreign direct investment (FDI), by improving regulatory and fiscal frameworks. There are many mechanisms—direct and indirect—through which FDI can generate transfers of technology.
Fourth, Ιntroducing Enabling Policies and Regulations
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), requires good policy and regulation and will only be possible through coordinated action from various ministries and an approach involving the whole Government.
Fifth, Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
Public-Private Partnerships can be an excellent way to inspire innovation, especially in more mature areas of the economy.
Sixth, Utilising the United Nations Technology Facilitation Mechanism
The United Nations Technology Facilitation can engage stakeholders from civil society, the private sector and the scientific community, with the overarching objective to strengthen their national STI (Science Technology Innovation) capacities
Seventh, Tapping into the United Nations Technology Bank for LDCs
The United Nations Technology Bank for LDCs can facilitate LDC access to existing technologies and foster joint initiatives with relevant partners, including the private sector.
Eighth, Encouraging Regional Cooperation
Regional collaboration is essential, as many countries do not have the resources to develop meaningful innovation programs. At the regional and international levels, mechanisms such as South-South cooperation and the support of international organizations could be instrumental in overcoming the challenges discussed above. Organizations such as the World Bank Group, the World Trade Organization and others can provide software as well as hardware support to LDCs.
Finally, a few words about Greece and the topic of leveraging the power of science, technology and innovation.
Over the past 4 years Greece has paved the way in becoming a pioneering country, particularly by promoting innovative technologies, low-power electronics and environmental sustainability of ICT solutions.
Greece’s Research and Innovation ecosystem comprises 25 Universities and 11 Research Centers of high scientific caliber and co-operates to a large extent with a vibrant business local ecosystem, especially over the past 4 years. Over the current Development Program, we have been financing a great number of Research and Innovation (R&I) Projects performed by innovative businesses and Research Organizations. Approximately 900 R&I Projects are addressing Food security, Environment & Sustainable Development, Clean Energy and Energy Saving, Smart Transportation and Logistics.
We established 11 new Competence Centers formed by companies and research institutions through Joint Ventures, to support technology production and technology transfer, one of which, one stands for Green Energy and two for Sustainable Development.
We also financed 3 Innovation Clusters targeting Environment & Sustainable Development and 5 Innovation Clusters for the AgriTech Sector.
At the same time, 110 accredited startups registered in our national startup registry of Greece, namely Elevate Greece, are innovating by producing new products and services in critical sectors of EnergyTech / CleanTech/ FoodTech, addressing global challenges.
This is just a glimpse of how we, Greece I mean, are leapfrogging into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (after admittedly having lagged behind during the 3rd).
Time is of the essence here – the world is moving toward a knowledge-based society, with the 4th Industrial Revolution further hastening the process. The previous three industrial revolutions generally bypassed LDCs. It would be a grave loss for the international community if they were to be excluded once again. Greece’s specialized workforce is here to help leveraging the power of science, technology and innovation for the sustainable development of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), by providing the necessary know-how and expertise of our researchers and skilled engineers within a global framework and program of action.
Thank you.