National conference on “Technology Foresight and Critical Issues” at National University of Science and Technology (NUST) marked the launch of Technology Foresight (TF).
TF has been launched to assist the government in developing policy for science and technology (S&T) and to address wider concerns that involve economic and social aspirations.
Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST) will hold the second day of the conference today to highlight the importance and necessity of TF in S&T policy making, and national planning.
Addressing on the occasion, Chief Guest Secretary Science and Technology Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar said, “Research and Development (R&D) organisations of the ministry are in active pursuit of research pertaining to important areas of science and technology.”
Tarar said that R&D organisations have been encouraged to commercialise their products and services in order to achieve self- sustainability over a time period. “We aim to enhance quality manpower strength, establish and modernise new laboratories and facilities, and will ensure the widespread of developed technologies for public benefits and at the same time their application in organisations like defense.”
He said that S&T innovations policy provides guidance and methodology to promote the S&T activities which is for the development of the country with clearly defined objectives. In this policy, he said, efforts have been made to keep S&T programmes designed with the mandate of the government which is focused on enhancement of application of research developed into product, process and services that add values for maximum socio economical benefits.
Speaking on the occasion, Quaid-e-Azam University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Masoom Yasinzai said that Pakistan has vast potential to excel in the field of science and technology. Pakistan has the world’s 6th largest population which is blessed with enormous potential to shine in the field of S&T by concentrating on skill development for its availability in the country. “We need to invest in the education, S&T and professional training of our youth to uplift the economy”.
While addressing, PCST Chairperson Dr Muddasar Israr said Technology Incubation center will be established soon in the federal capital, in collaboration with Quaid-e-Azam University. She said proposal for the establishment of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Institute at has been submitted to the Department of S & T. She added, “Innovation landscape of textile sector in Pakistan for financial assistance from Asian and Pacific center for technology Transfer (APCTT) is also under consideration”.
The issues dealing with TF disciplines will be highlighted in the conference seeking recommendations from experts to resolve them and suggestions will be sought about the future technology foresight related activities in the county.
