STI and Inequality Jamaican Perspective,Richard Kelly, October 2008,Introduction,STI has brought many benefits to the world. Developing countries have benefitted More people have access to transportation, information and communication, healthcare, entertainment and education.,Introduction,Economic development through STI has been tremendous Widening gap between developed and developing countries. Gap is being reduced in some areas in some developing countries Paper looks at inequalities through STI from a Jamaican perspective,History,Caribbean countries emerged from history of colonization by Europe Focus was on building European Economies through STI Little or no focus on colonies S&T did not evolve as a mainstream component of Caribbean culture Such knowledge restricted to the rich and educated,Some Key Issues Affecting STI in Jamaica,Low levels of STI investment (0.3% of GDP) Lack of an effective and well-coordinated National Innovation System Insufficient public-private partnership Shortage of STI educators and other professionals Weak research and innovation culture Research capacity and engineering intensity compromised by level of STI training,STI in Jamaica,Establishment of institutions for the promotion and use of STI Research and Development (R&D) in the agricultural sector to improve crop and livestock and production and enhance food quality. The use of nuclear technologies in the analysis of soil content to improve health and food quality. The use of ICTs to improve access to information, education and services. The use of GIS and GPS technologies in identifying areas where poverty exists (for targeting resources) and mapping natural, social and economic assets.,Figure 1. Performance of Jamaican Students in Mathematics and Science in the GSAT Examinations, 2004-2007.,Figure 2. Performance of Jamaican Students in Selected Science Subjects in the CXC/CSEC May-June Examinations, 2002-2007,Figure 3. Comparison of Performance of Jamaican Students in selected science subjects in the CXC/CSEC May-June Examinations, 2007,STI Education,The number of tertiary students pursuing undergraduate degrees in STI related fields showed a slight decline in 2007 (ESSJ, 2007). Enrolment in science related degrees lower than social sciences Low number of engineers and mathematicians,Initiatives,Among these are: The move towards an enquiry-based approach to teaching science, The exposure of more students to science and related subjects and offering cross-faculty S&T courses at some tertiary institutions, Provision of more laboratory facilities and, Increasing use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for research and to aid teaching (E-learning).,Table 1. Internet penetration in Jamaica for selected years.,Source: International Telecommunication Union,Computer penetration by households 16.5%,Table 2. Tele-density in Jamaica, 2000-2007,Source: Office of Utilities Regulations and STATIN,Figure 4. Cumulative number of ABMs in Jamaica,Health, Employment, Security,Inadequate resources to provide acceptable health care. Medical technologies expensive Disparities between public and private hospitals High crime problem Inadequate crime fighting technology Very few persons have security technology,Health, Employment, Security,More technology intensive jobs. Threat to unskilled workers. Challenge in retaining skilled professionals brain drain. Education system challenged to meet growing and diverse needs of the job market. Other issues include climate change and natural hazards.,Recommendations,Create national policies and mechanisms to distribute the benefits of STI throughout the population. Integrate the use of STI in broader national development planning. Increase investments in building STI capacity, infrastructure and R&D, especially to develop indigenous technologies.,Recommendations contd,Incorporate the use of ICTs in all areas of national development. This is important if Jamaica wants to become a knowledge economy. Improve international and regional cooperation and networks for experience and knowledge exchange. Capitalize on Latecomer advantage for adoption, adaptation and creation of technology,Thank you,