2009年-世界发展银行全球_Stock_Taking_of_Lithuanias_Science_Technology_and_Innovation_System_30页_649kb

Summary of "Stock taking of Lithuania's science, technology and innovation system"

Core Content

This report provides an assessment of Lithuania's progress in science, technology, and innovation (STI) since the recommendations of three international studies: the Norwegian Research Council (1996), the World Bank (2003), and the CREST-OMC panel (2007). The analysis is conducted by the World Bank and the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation (DASTI) and focuses on the implementation of policy recommendations, current challenges, and future priorities.

Main Findings and Recommendations

1. Enhanced Capacity for System Oversight and Governance

Key Recommendations:

• Develop a coherent STI strategy through a science and technology council.
• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of government-sponsored STI activities.
• Enhance government implementation capacity in STI.

Status:

• A national STI strategy is still lacking, and existing policy documents are not comprehensive.
• The Science, Technology and Innovation Commission (STIC) was established in 2005 but lacks institutional power and effective coordination.
• A dedicated M&E unit has been created in the Ministry of Education and Science, but a more systematic and integrated approach is needed.

Key Points:

• A working group of permanent secretaries could support the STIC in preparing policy documents and improving coordination.
• The Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Education and Science need to align their M&E efforts to ensure consistent data collection and policy feedback.
• The development of a comprehensive STI strategy is critical for guiding the use of EU structural funds and aligning STI activities with national economic goals.

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2. Strengthening Lithuania's Science Base

Key Recommendations:

• Increase the production of STI personnel.
• Reform the STI funding system to promote competition and accountability.
• Merge state research institutions and integrate teaching with research.
• Promote the internationalization of Lithuanian research.

Status:

• Some progress has been made in increasing STI personnel and funding, but the system remains fragmented.
• The funding structure still relies heavily on institutional block grants rather than competitive funding.
• The Lithuanian Innovation Agency has established a regional network of technology intermediaries, but further international collaboration is needed.

Key Points:

• A long-term human resource plan should be developed based on future demand forecasts.
• The STI funding system should be reformed to increase competition and accountability, especially in the allocation of EU structural funds.
• A more coordinated approach between research and education is essential.
• Lithuania should leverage international funding schemes, such as the Marie Curie scholarships, to enhance international collaboration.

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3. Boosting Public-Private R&D Linkages

Key Recommendations:

• Strengthen incentives for public-private linkages.
• Improve networking and dialogue between industry and science.
• Develop funding instruments that support public-private R&D collaboration.

Status:

• Lithuania has created 28 National Technology Platforms, but their effectiveness in integrating industry and science is unclear.
• The Lithuanian Valley Initiative shows promise but requires careful implementation to avoid resource dilution.
• Business representation should be included in the design of such initiatives from the start.

Key Points:

• Legal and policy reforms are needed to facilitate university spin-offs and manage intellectual property rights.
• A thorough analysis of the role and effectiveness of technology platforms is necessary before increasing expectations.
• Funding instruments should be designed to encourage collaboration and innovation between public and private sectors.

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4. Increasing Industry Innovative Capacity

Key Recommendations:

• Increase private sector R&D activity.
• Focus on providing knowledge services to low-tech companies.

Status:

• Private sector R&D investment remains low at 0.24% of GDP.
• Only 4% of researchers are employed in the private sector, indicating a lack of integration between research and industry.
• The Lithuanian Innovation Agency has made progress in establishing technology intermediaries, but more support is needed for low-tech firms.

Key Points:

• Developing a culture of entrepreneurship among university students is crucial.
• Internships and business-focused projects in universities can help bridge the gap between academia and industry.
• Technology transfer centers should be established in priority sectors to support low-tech companies with knowledge services.

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Key Challenges

• Fragmented Public Science Base: Lithuania has a high number of research and education institutions, leading to inefficiencies and lack of coordination.
• Low Private Sector R&D Investment: The private sector remains underdeveloped in terms of R&D and innovation, relying heavily on public funding.
• Lack of Coherent STI Strategy: Despite some policy documents, a unified national strategy is still missing.
• Need for Better M&E Practices: Current evaluation systems are not standardized or comprehensive enough.
• Insufficient Legal and Institutional Frameworks: There is a need for clearer laws on intellectual property and spin-off companies.

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Conclusion

The report concludes that Lithuania has made notable progress in strengthening its STI system since the early 1990s, particularly in terms of R&D funding and publication output. However, significant challenges remain, especially in governance, policy implementation, and the integration of research with industry. The recommendations emphasize the need for a more strategic, coordinated, and competitive STI system to support Lithuania's transition to a knowledge-based economy.