Science chiefs gather to make ASEAN an innovation powerhouse

MANILA, Philippines — Hurdling roadblocks to elevate the Southeast Asian region as a formidable force in the global innovation arena is a top priority for science leaders gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the 21st Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation.

Despite being the fifth-largest economy in the world, the region has yet to unlock its fullest potential in developing innovations that contribute to economic growth and address lingering problems in the environment and agriculture.

One of the main issues compounding the region is funding, according to Kao Kim Hourn, secretary general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“We must acknowledge a critical reality,” the former Cambodian diplomat said during the summit’s opening ceremony on Thursday.

“Research and development (R&D) investment remains below one percent of the gross domestic product,” he said, noting that funding is “substantially behind” the average of two percent spent by countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Kao added that Southeast Asian countries are failing to establish ties with the private sector on science, technology and innovation-related projects, accounting for just nine percent of all partnerships, based on data from ASEAN’s internal review.

The bloc’s secretary general urged science chiefs to foster public-private partnerships, navigate global megatrends like artificial intelligence and accelerate human capital development through upskilling to “advance ASEAN as a global innovation powerhouse.”

Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. is representing the Philippines at the annual summit, which also saw the launch of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation 2026-2035, a framework for the next decade that provides a unified roadmap to achieve the bloc’s goals.

Solidum and Kao met on the sidelines after the opening ceremony, during which the ASEAN official commended the Philippines for its contributions to innovations in health and disaster resilience.