Science and Technology Indicators in Saint Lucia Judith Ephraim Ministry of Physical Development and the Environment

Science and Technology Portfolio Lead agency-Sustainable Development and Environment Division (SDED)-Ministry of Physical Development and the Environment Limited dedicated resources-human and financial Activities are project driven Activities have been decreasing

Previous Collection of S&T Indicators Conducted in 2002 by the SDED Part of a regional project Aim- To collect information on the human and financial resources dedicated to scientific and technological activities. Time period examined-1998 and 1999

Previous Collection of S&T Indicators Methodology: Adapted questionnaire Intern employed for 6 months to administer survey The data were sought from government departments, research institutions, public and private institutions, and institutions of higher education in the country.

Response Rate from Previous Survey

Survey Format Context Indicators-provide information on particular elemental features of the country - Population, Economically Active Population (Labour Force), Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Indicators of Economic Resources Devoted to S&T Indicators of Human Resources Devoted to S&T

Scientific and Technology Indicators I ndicators of Economic Resources Devoted to S&T Expenditure on S&T Expenditure on S&T in relation to GDP Per Capita Expenditure on S&T Expenditure on S&T by Sector Performance

Scientific and Technology Indicators Indicators of Economic Resources Devoted to S&T Expenditure on S&T by Socio-Economic Activity 1.Development of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 2. Promotion of Industrial Development 3. Development of Social Services 4. Health

Science and Technology Indicators Indicators of Human Resources Devoted to S&T Researchers Post -graduate students Technicians and Equivalent Staff Scientific Personnel Human Resources Devoted to S&T in Relation to Labour Force

Human Resources Devoted to S&T

Challenges Low response rate Extended period of data collection Limited man power Suspicion surrounding confidentiality and use of data Limited application and understanding of S&T General absence of data collection No resources for publishing Sustainability

Results Analysis of data Report reading for publishing and printing Dissemination through website and specific requests Results not used in policy- making at this time SDED seeking collaboration for continuation of collection of indicators

Recommendations Report is the first step to raise the level of Science and Technology in Saint Lucia. The report provides greater understanding and appreciation of S&T influence on the development of the country Public awareness campaign before, during, after the collection of S&T indicators Report should be published and referenced frequently Synergies should be built with existing programmes and projects e.g. working with department of Statistics and Caribbean welcome Project.

Thank You