14 September 2021
On June 11, 2021, the Scientific Report was officially presented at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The seventh edition in the series explores how countries are using science to realize a digitally and ecologically smart future. The report includes data and information for 193 countries, with the report containing contributions from over 70 contributors from over 52 countries. The UNESCO Institute for Statistics works with countries to measure and monitor their science systems in an internationally comparable way.
The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of digital technologies in an emergency. It has heightened their use in areas such as education (distance learning) and health. The Covid-19 pandemic has radically transformed our way of life. The crisis may yet redefine scientific processes and science governance in unforeseen ways. It is likely to affect the next generation of researchers and the mechanisms by which science itself is funded.“Today’s challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, decline of ocean health and pandemics are all global. This is why we must mobilize scientists and researchers from all over the world”.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
In the report, chapter 14 is entirely devoted to Central Asia, where the scientific progress of each country from 2016-2019 is evaluated. Chronic underinvestment in R&D in Central Asia – no country spent more than 0.13% of GDP on R&D in 2018 – has spawned a range of systemic challenges that are holding back research and innovation. These include a vocational crisis in the research community and an exodus of skills.
Central Asian governments are taking steps to overcome these obstacles. There is a desire to improve the investment climate for businesses and to use innovation to modernize industry. There are a growing number of technology parks, which benefit from advantageous tax regimes. Governments are also making an effort to improve the status of researchers through measures such as pay rises, competitive research grants, modern research equipment and joint research projects with institutional partners in different countries.
UNESCO Science Report provides an analysis of global trends in research and development, prepared by a team of international experts, based on numerous qualitative and quantitative data. Every five years, it analyses emerging trends in science, technology and innovation policy and governance. The UNESCO Science Report is one of the tools that countries can use to monitor progress towards the goals of Agenda 2030. UNESCO Almaty Office is also planning to organize a launch event of the Report. Follow the news.
For more information about the official launch of the UNESCO Science Report 2021 please follow the link.
The full version of the Report or its executive summary can be downloaded on the official website.
The video just summarizing the UNESCO Science Report can be found at this link
Permanent link: http://en.unesco.kz/the-unesco-science-report-the-race-against-time-for-smarter-development