Angola

STIP Review Project Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Review of Angola

Brief Description:

Undertaken at the request of the Government of Angola, the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Review (STIP) will assess the effectiveness of Angola's science and technology system, policies and related institutions and identify areas of strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats arising within and outside the country. With focus on ICTs and biotechnology, it will make available to Angolan policy-makers a roadmap for assessing and monitoring the impact of their S&T policies and programmes, and a basis for formulating strategies to ensure the role of S&T in national economic development. It will also increase awareness within the international community of the challenges facing developing countries, particularly LDCs such as Angola, and contribute to the global pool of knowledge and understanding on the successful application of S&T for development.

The major components of the project are:

The overall objective of the present Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) review is to provide a roadmap for policy- and decision-makers in optimizing the role of science and technology in the development process, and to facilitate the formulation of a coherent, long-term national strategy for the application of science, the acquisition of technology and the promotion of innovation. It will also seek to contribute to the understanding of Angola's challenges in rebuilding its economy.

Prepared in close collaboration with the government, and in consultation with all the stakeholders, the review will analyze and pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of existing government policy covering science and technology. It will identify opportunities for cooperation and collaboration with development partners both present in the country and abroad, as well as with neighbouring countries and regional organizations. Factors that could derail the reconstruction process, particularly in the area of technology acquisition and diffusion, will be flagged. Drawing on the views of both public and private stakeholders, the findings of experts, as well as experiences of other countries in harnessing science and technology as a driver for economic development, the review will recommend options for the Government of Angola to consider in designing its science and technology strategy.

Expected results:

The project outputs are a background paper and the STIP Review approved by the Council of Ministers.

Outcome indicator:More coherent and effective S&T policies and measures, resulting in improved capacity for successful technology acquisition and innovation; improved agricultural output, upgraded communication system and enhanced management capacity.

Main Activities:

• Drafting of the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Review for Angola

1. Fact finding mission by a team of international consultants and UNCTAD staff, including consultations with government officials, development partners and private sector representatives with a view to: assessing current policy, undertaking a SWOT analysis which takes account emerging regional and global opportunities, formulating options for Angolan policy- and decision- makers to ensure the effectiveness of S&T as a driver of development;

2. Submission of the first draft report to the Government for comments

• Round-table discussion on STIP review findings

1. The findings will be presented for discussion at a national round-table with Angola’s development partners, private sector representatives and NGOs. The conclusions of this discussion will be reflected in the Review.

• Peer Review at the Commission on Science and Technology for Development

1 . Presentation at the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development, an ECOSOC functional commission, at its annual session in Geneva. The outcome of ensuing debate will be reflected in the final Review.

• Define a follow-up programme

1. At the request of the Government, UNCTAD could draw up a project proposal for activities to implement the recommendations of the STIP Review

Main Issues/ Constraints and Bottlenecks

The project was expected to end in December 2007 but is being extended due to delays in both the fact finding mission and the drafting of first version of the STIP review. The lack of updated data is also a constraint.

Steps forward

The translation of version 0 of the document and the preparation for the roundtable and consultation with various stakeholders will permit the finalization of the document and its submission to Angola’s Council of Ministers.

Angola ’s participation at the Peer Review at the Commission on Science and Technology for Development will be the following and final step.