Science is key to sustained innovation

Research! Where we are now? No collective direction at all... Direction always changing.. One time stresses on research and development... the other time talk innovation only... and usually request for product with import brand policy... Where we are now??? Start early than Thailand but now left behind far-far away... do you think so???

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NST: 2011/05/20
By Ahmad Tajuddin Ali

INNOVATION has attracted a lot of attention lately. Ever since the prime minister launched the country's transformation plans, innovation has assumed centre stage in public discussion. Many are more aware of the strategic role of innovation in nation-building. More people now know innovation can be a potent tool for wealth creation. To tap into the new business opportunities that will emerge in the coming years, innovation will prove to be indispensable.The prime minister has frequently touched in his speeches that it would be difficult to achieve the nation's triple objectives of high income with inclusiveness and sustainability, as articulated in the New Economic Model (NEM), without the necessary investment in innovation. The scientific community is encouraged by the government's launch of innovation lift-off projects as part of the economic transformation package.

A major issue confronting science in the country is the declining interest in a science career. Unless addressed soon, we may not have the critical mass of scientists to drive innovation. Now, only 20 per cent of secondary school students opt for a Science course. Some educationists blame it on the uninteresting ways Science is taught. They are urging the government to revive inquiry-based Science education (IBSE) earlier piloted in some select schools. In countries such as France and China, IBSE has been a major success in reviving interest in Science.

The medium of instruction is also a factor to consider. Though the national language has made significant headway, many scientific terms are still best described in English. Furthermore, much of the scientific references are available only in English. A recent announcement to review the policy is welcome. It may be time to leave it to the discretion of the schools. However, this is not to completely abandon the ongoing programme to translate scientific references and books into Bahasa Malaysia.
If innovation is a recipe for the high income that the country aspires to achieve by 2020, then Science is the precursor of innovation. Innovations that involve technology development thrive on a diet of strong scientific foundation. Put it in another way, Science is food for new technologies. There is no technology without Science. Science precedes all new breakthrough in technology. This can be in engineering, information and communications technology (ICT) and biotechnology, just to name a few.

This is not to suggest that innovation is only about Science. Arguably, innovation can also feature in many non-science sectors, including finance, social studies and even economic planning. But, not many would dispute the fact that a good command of Science is a key ingredient of sustained technology innovation.

There is ample evidence to suggest that innovation leadership is in the domain of countries which excel in the scientific discipline. These are also countries which invest heavily in research and development (R&D). Most important of all, such countries are in constant touch with the latest developments in science and research. They have an effective intelligence mechanism in tracking the development of science.

Admittedly, science is not cheap. Investment in scientific R&D talks about expenditures running into billions. Risks in such investments are also high. Furthermore, the results can be uncertain. In fact, there is no guarantee that the outputs of R&D can come to anything at all.

More often than not, only a small percentage would eventually make it to the commercial world of business. On the other hand, any R&D breakthrough which eventually ends up as a successful business, would more than make up for the losses incurred in the R&D that do not make to the marketplace.

Since science is a high-cost venture and can be uncertain, it is important, therefore, to have good guidance. This calls for dependable advice from experts in the field. The advice would not only be concerning the strategic areas to pursue, but also what would be the priorities. Only then can there be more focus in the R&D that the nation needs to invest in.

The recent resurrection of the National Science and Research Council with a re-constituted membership, under the chairmanship of the science adviser to the government, is indeed long overdue. The council can provide advice to the government on strategies and priorities of scientific R&D, and identify and help resolve bottlenecks in implementation, such as weaknesses in the infrastructure for R&D, both hard and soft.

This is also where the Academy of Sciences has a big role to play. Tapping into the knowledge and expertise of its fellows, the academy has churned out many strategic recommendations on science as advice to the government.

Through the academy's vast international network and partnership, it has also been able to tap into the knowledge of world experts from partner academies around the globe. In addition, the academy also pursues programmes to nurture and train young scientists on the art of scientific intelligence.

This will also make sure the country continues to build on the resources of scientific talent. Only then can the country enjoy a sustained flow of innovation. This is because science is key to sustained innovation. There is no other way.

Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali is president of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia


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