【联合国贸发会议】2024塞舌尔科学、技术和创新政策评论报告_79页_1mb

Key Summary of UNCTAD STI Policy Review for Seychelles

This summary analyzes the UNCTAD Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Review for Seychelles, which evaluates the implementation of the 2016-2025 STI Policy and Strategy, national innovation system (NIS), and sectoral innovations. The review highlights Seychelles' high-income status and unique challenges as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), including heavy reliance on tourism and fisheries, environmental vulnerabilities, and weak STI policy execution.

Key Findings:

• Economic Context: Seychelles has a high per capita income and HDI but faces sustainability challenges due to its dependence on resource-based sectors.
• STI Policy Implementation: The STIPS 2016-2025 is aligned with national visions but suffers from weak implementation due to limited political support, funding, and institutional capacity. Key issues include the repeal of the NISTI Act, lack of a National Research Fund, and inadequate coordination in the NIS.
• National Innovation System: The NIS is fragmented and under-resourced, with weak public-private partnerships and low R&D productivity.
• Sectoral Innovations: Tourism, fisheries, and agriculture have innovation opportunities, but implementation is hindered by resource constraints and policy gaps.
• International Partnerships: Seychelles needs to strengthen collaborations for accessing global STI resources and expertise.

Main Recommendations:

• Build Political and Public Compact: Enhance engagement from the National Assembly and public through awareness campaigns and education.
• Reconfigure Institutional Arrangements: Establish an autonomous STI agency and draw from international best practices.
• Revise STI Policy: Update STIPS to address emerging technologies like AI and 4IR, and develop a concrete implementation plan.
• Set Research Priorities: Use technology assessment and foresight to define R&D goals.
• Establish Funding Mechanisms: Create a National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund and a National R&D Fund to mobilize resources.
• Strengthen International Partnerships: Deepen involvement in SADC, AU, and UN STI programs.
• Build Skills: Enhance STEM, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy through education and training alignment.
• Improve Financial Services: Facilitate access to trade finance and e-commerce tools for small and medium enterprises.

The review concludes that Seychelles has foundational elements for STI but needs strategic interventions to transform its economy and achieve sustainable development goals.