Science & Technology Policy of Lao PDR Sengchanh PHASAYASENG Department of Science & Technology, NAST Cambodiana Hotel, Nov 2008

1. Country Background 2. Direction, Promotion & Major Policy for the implementation of S&T development 3.Action Programs for the next 5 years 4. Measures for the Implementation of S&T Policy of S&T Policy

1. Country Background Geography: Geography: Landlocked CountryLandlocked Country of 236,800 Km2.of 236,800 Km2. Population : Population : 5.9 million (2006)5.9 million (2006) 39 % still lives in poverty. Economy: The mainly base Economy: The mainly base Agriculture: 50.9%.Agriculture: 50.9%. Industry:23.4%Industry:23.4% Services 25.7 %.Services 25.7 %. Annual per capital incomeAnnual per capital income US$490 ( 2007).US$490 ( 2007). GDP increase 6-7%.GDP increase 6-7%. Politic: Stable regime. ( Politic: Stable regime. (

1.1. LAO S&T Institutions background 1967 establishment of Geology and Mining Department 1967 establishment of Geology and Mining Department ( Ministry of Energy & Mining ). ( Ministry of Energy & Mining ) establishment of State Committee of Science and Technology ( Now is NAST ) 1982 establishment of State Committee of Science and Technology ( Now is NAST ) 1999 establishment of Agricultural and Forestry Research Institutes with 10 Research Centers: 1999 establishment of Agricultural and Forestry Research Institutes with 10 Research Centers: 1983 establishment of National Arts and Literature Research Institute(1993 Culture Research Institute ) 1983 establishment of National Arts and Literature Research Institute(1993 Culture Research Institute ) 1995 establishment of National University of Laos with 11 Faculties establishment of National University of Laos with 11 Faculties establishment of Health Science Institute with 7 Research centers: 2000 establishment of Health Science Institute with 7 Research centers:

1.2. The National Authority for Science and Technology (NAST) Undertaken numerous experimental and application researches to adapt technology with the Lao context and culture. Undertaken numerous experimental and application researches to adapt technology with the Lao context and culture. Concentrated its efforts in undertaking on the job training that contributing to the up gradation of our Scientifics, Engineers & Technologists ( SETs ) Concentrated its efforts in undertaking on the job training that contributing to the up gradation of our Scientifics, Engineers & Technologists ( SETs ) Formulated and drafted some necessary S&T Policies, plans, Programs, Projects and activities, Regulations, Decrees, Laws. Formulated and drafted some necessary S&T Policies, plans, Programs, Projects and activities, Regulations, Decrees, Laws.

1.3. Constraints We may say that S&T R&D in Lao PDR is still in the initial stage. We may say that S&T R&D in Lao PDR is still in the initial stage. S&T R&D has been undertaken with very limited Resources, harmonization and management mechanism is not yet in place. S&T R&D has been undertaken with very limited Resources, harmonization and management mechanism is not yet in place. Lack of 4 M.( Manpower, Money, Material &Management ) Lack of 4 M.( Manpower, Money, Material &Management ) Education system still in the infant stage, only one University, Private education well being developed. Education system still in the infant stage, only one University, Private education well being developed. The coordination and cooperation between University and Industry are just promoting and encouraging. The coordination and cooperation between University and Industry are just promoting and encouraging.

2. Direction, Promotion and Major Policy for the implementation of S&T development 2.1.H.R.D Define the HRD plan in medium and long term at all level. Define the HRD plan in medium and long term at all level. Develop the S&T curriculum of the NUOL to provide Masters and PhD in S&T. Develop the S&T curriculum of the NUOL to provide Masters and PhD in S&T. Develop the capability of appropriate Research centers to conduct training courses in priority sectors. Develop the capability of appropriate Research centers to conduct training courses in priority sectors. Apply effectively the S&T HRD to fit the knowledge, competence and skills, use reward system for the talented and creative SETs. Apply effectively the S&T HRD to fit the knowledge, competence and skills, use reward system for the talented and creative SETs. Strengthen the creation of awareness in S&T and impregnate into live style. Strengthen the creation of awareness in S&T and impregnate into live style.

2.2. Management & Coordination of S&T The National S&T council should be established and define the direction in S&T policy for the development. The National S&T council should be established and define the direction in S&T policy for the development. The NAST should undertake the supporting and coordinating function to promote S&T activities in the various implementing and help translating policy into action. The NAST should undertake the supporting and coordinating function to promote S&T activities in the various implementing and help translating policy into action. Establish a National S&T Research Institute. Establish a National S&T Research Institute. Establish a Committee of S&T in different Ministries and Provinces to act as Advisory Board Committee to the Ministry. Establish a Committee of S&T in different Ministries and Provinces to act as Advisory Board Committee to the Ministry. Develop the appropriate and collaborative research center in close collaboration with the NUOL for improving the capability of S&T research aiming to promote the production and industrial development. Develop the appropriate and collaborative research center in close collaboration with the NUOL for improving the capability of S&T research aiming to promote the production and industrial development.

2.3.S&T Investment Use effectively the funds allocated by the Government ( 4-5% of GDP/year for S&T R&D) Use effectively the funds allocated by the Government ( 4-5% of GDP/year for S&T R&D) Mobilize the funds from private sectors Mobilize the funds from private sectors Attract the international assistance & Coop. Attract the international assistance & Coop. Create S&T Foundation. Create S&T Foundation.

3. Action Programs for the next 5 years 1. Infrastructure AP. 2. S&T Management AP. 3. S&T HRD AP. 4. C reation of National S&T Research Institute AP. 5. Collaborative AP 6. Some possible AP

4. Measures for the Implementation of S&T Policy 1. Operate (4 - 5% ) Budget allocated by the GOL that should be shared with other Sectors involved in the Development of S&T. 2. The National S&T Policy shall be promulgated throughout the country for good understanding for plans, programs and projects formulation. 3. This Policy shall be implemented effectively by State and Public Organizations.

Khobchai Thank you Khobchai Thank you