Innovation Congress: Setting the Technology Transfer and S&T Agenda for Metro Manila

Author: Kerve Supnet Published: Sep. 04, 2023

Current research and development agenda, and technology commercialization initiatives were discussed during the “Innovation Congress: Technology Transfer and Science and Technology (S&T) Agenda for Metro Manila” on August 31, 2023 as part of the DOST-National Capital Region’s celebration of its Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week 2023.

Dr. Manuel M. Muhi, Consortium Director of the Metropolitan Manila Industry, Energy, and Emerging Research and Development Consortium (MMIEERDC) encouraged the audience to light their passion for discovery and progress as the rest of the forum tackled technology transfer and commercialization, the regional research and development (R&D) agenda, and stories of innovations.

In his discussion, DOST Assistant Secretary Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr. highlighted the Department’s R&D Directions, and the DOST Strategy Framework for 2023-2028 anchored on strategic research, technology transfer, capacity development, and scientific and technical services, to contribute to the attainment of the Ambisyon Natin 2040 of a “matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay.

On the other hand, DOST Assistant Secretary Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr. discussed “Creating the Nation’s Wealth through Technology Transfer and Commercialization” which underpinned that technology transfer should (1) pique the public’s interest in scientific and technological research, (2) direct research towards the discovery of novel technologies, (3) generate income for institutes and universities, (4) reduce the financial risks faced by private companies when developing new products to advance their business, (5) be important for MSMEs, and (6) serve to advance research agendas that deal with practical products that can provide benefits to society.

Director Shiela Gail Satura-Quingco of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority -Metropolitan Development Planning Services discussed S&T in the Regional Development Plan (RDP) for NCR for 2023-2028 which was highlighted in its Chapter 10 covering Advance Research and Development, Technology, and Innovation.

The Innovation Congress also served as an avenue to launch the Metro Manila R&D Agenda 2023-2028 for the Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Sector as presented by Dr. Nuna E. Almanzor, Governing Council Chairperson of the MMIEERDC. Prof. Maria Grace Rosales, who spoke on behalf of Dr. Hilton Y. Lam, talked about the Ten NCR Regional Unified Health Research Agenda (RUHRA) for 2023-2028, and Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda. Executive Director of the National Research Council of the Philippines discussed the Six National Integrated Basic Research (NIBRA) Agenda 2022-2028.

Research and development initiatives and testimonials from Dr. Maria Natalia R. Dimaano and Dr. Abigail P. Cid-Andres, from the University of Santo Tomas and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, respectively were shared to end the Congress.

The Innovation Congress was attended by researchers and faculty members of the various universities and colleges in the NCR.