There are a number of different STI strategies that countries can adopt. Two common strategies are:
- National innovation system (NIS) approach: The NIS approach focuses on creating an enabling environment for innovation. This includes developing policies and institutions that support research and development, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. The NIS approach also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders in the innovation system, such as government, businesses, universities, and research institutions.
- Mission-oriented innovation (MOI) approach: The MOI approach focuses on using STI to achieve specific societal goals, such as developing new energy technologies or improving healthcare. MOI projects are typically large-scale and complex, and they require collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders
National Innovation System (NIS) Approach
The NIS approach is based on the idea that innovation is a complex process that is influenced by a variety of factors, including government policies, institutional structures, and the business environment. The NIS approach emphasizes the importance of creating an enabling environment for innovation, which means developing policies and institutions that support research and development, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.
The NIS approach also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders in the innovation system, such as government, businesses, universities, and research institutions. This collaboration is essential for developing and commercializing new technologies, and for ensuring that STI is used to address the needs of society.
Mission-Oriented Innovation (MOI) Approach
The MOI approach is a newer approach to STI strategy that has gained popularity in recent years. The MOI approach focuses on using STI to achieve specific societal goals, such as developing new energy technologies or improving healthcare. MOI projects are typically large-scale and complex, and they require collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders.
The MOI approach is based on the idea that STI can be used to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. However, it is important to note that MOI projects are not always successful. They can be expensive and time-consuming, and they can be difficult to manage.
Examples of Successful STI Strategies
There are a number of examples of countries that have successfully implemented STI strategies. For example:
- South Korea: South Korea has used an NIS approach to become a global leader in innovation. The government has invested heavily in research and development, and it has created a number of institutions that support innovation, such as the Korea Institute of Science and Technology. South Korea also has a strong culture of entrepreneurship.
- China: China has used an MOI approach to achieve rapid economic growth and social development. The government has set ambitious goals for STI, such as developing new energy technologies and improving healthcare. China has invested heavily in STI, and it has established a number of national innovation projects.
Challenges of Implementing STI Strategies
Implementing STI strategies can be challenging. Some of the challenges include:
- Cost: STI strategies can be expensive, particularly MOI projects.
- Complexity: STI strategies are complex and involve a wide range of stakeholders. This can make them difficult to manage and coordinate.
- Risk: There is always a risk that STI projects will not be successful. This risk is particularly high for MOI projects, which are often large-scale and complex.
Conclusion
STI strategies are essential for countries that want to improve their competitiveness, create jobs, and address major global challenges. However, implementing STI strategies can be challenging. Countries need to choose the right strategy for their specific needs and circumstances, and they need to be prepared to invest the necessary resources.
Sources
- OECD (2015). National innovation systems: A policy guide. OECD Publishing.
- Mazzucato, M. (2018). The value of everything: Making and taking value in the global economy. Penguin Books.
- Freeman, C. (2015). The national innovation system in perspective. Cambridge University Press.