Papua New Guinea must make serious investment in research and innovation.
This was highlighted by Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Francis Marus today at the National Intellectual Property in Research & Development Forum.
The Minister launched the two day event from September 1-2 underway at the Papua New Guinea National Research Institute in Port Moresby.
Marus said research plays an important role in creation of knowledge and valuable intellectual property.
“In many strong economies, investments in research and innovation have resulted in new knowledge and ideas, discoveries and technologies with applications in the industries, health, agriculture, fisheries and energy sector.
“I will be making every effort through his current Government to ensure that an appropriation is made from the Annual Budget to fund research and development,” Marus said.
Marus expressed his support for the development of a national policy on Intellectual Property and Research and Development to address ownership of research materials, protection of the processes, discoveries, inventions and traditional knowledge.
He said that such policy will contribute to a better appreciation of the contribution of research and development in economic growth and social enhancement.
Marus noted that key policies have been drafted and finalised and they include, the Science, Technology and Innovation Plan, Corporate Plan, National Research Agenda, National Research Code of Conduct and Research Guidelines.