A Knowledge-Based...
Going back to Professor Rahman’s presentation, several strategies had been implemented during his time as the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, for converting the ‘brain drain’ in Pakistan into a ‘brain gain’. All returning Ph.D-holders were guaranteed a job one year before his/her return along with a considerable start-up grant so that they may immediately embark on their research and development ( R& D) activities. All returnees though, were on contractbasis with regular international evaluation, while dismissals were carried out on the non-productive (a tenure-track system).
National Research Centers were established throughout the country, including the esteemed Hussain Ebrahim Jamal (HEJ) Research Institute of Chemistry at the Karachi University. Partnerships with top universities in Germany, Italy, Austria and China were newly established with technology parks, where foreign companies were able to set up R& D Centers for new product development. These initiatives brought back many of the expats from overseas as well as provided the opportunity for Pakistani students to obtain a world-class foreign education without going overseas.
As in the case of Pakistan, investment in centers of excellence with adequate funding for drawing scientists and engineers of highest caliber, including those who are trained abroad, will provide long-term benefits towards economic development.
Singapore’s case has demonstrated that such an investment does not have to be extensive but investment of a small fraction can produce immediate benefit. Such centers of excellence will not only attract the crème of the country in terms of best scientists but they will also draw attention of foreign institutions for collaboration and investment. Ultimately, the trained scientists in highcaliber, local institutions will engage in innovations that would benefit the economy of the country, often with public- private partnerships. Eventually, through little investment on their own, the public will benefit through improvements in living standards with necessary focus on sustaining such gains.
The current young scientists of Sri Lanka should not be forgotten when establishing a knowledge-based economy. In this aspect, we wish to highlight the upcoming symposium organized by the Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS) which is to be held on 13th and 14thNovember 2014 at the NIFS under the theme ‘Driving Research Towards Economy: Opportunities and Challenges’. As a brief introduction about SLAYS, it was launched in October 2012 with the support of National Academy of Science Sri Lanka ( NASSL) during the inaugural General Assembly of the Association of Academies and Societies of Science in Asia ( AASSA). SLAYS is affiliated and works in collaboration with the Global Young Academy (GYA). The objective of SLAYS is to provide the young scientists of Sri Lanka an opportunity in the advancement of issues which are deemed as being important to young scientists, particularly science education and R&D. The symposium will showcase research studies by young scientist throughout the country who are actively engaged in R&D, which are able to contribute to the socio- economic development of the country. Thus, the event will serve as a platform for broadening the scientific and industrial exposure of young scientists, so as to sustain the intellectual capital within the country.
In conclusion, we wish to quote the follow- ing words of wisdom by Professor Rahman: The name of the game today is high technology. In this aspect, it is hoped that the government and private organizations will focus on efforts towards building a conducive environment in the country which would prioritize research funding, develop the centers of excellence and serve as an encouragement for professionals to return to Sri Lanka in order to retain the country’s resident intellectuals and professionals. Dr. Viduranga Waisundara
Dr. Meththika Vithanage National Institute of Fundamental Studies,
Hantane Road, Kandy