National Assembly has asked the Ministry of Science and Technology to find out the causes following Pakistan’s ranking as among the lowest 131 out of 141 countries in the Global Innovation Index (GII) of 2015.
Pakistan’s innovation ranking amongst the worst should come as no surprise due to number of reasons. Firstly, Pakistan spends less on research and development as compared to other developing countries which spend two to four percent of GDP in comparison of Pakistan which allocates just 0.29 percent. In result of less allocation of funds researchers and PhDs working in Pakistan are significantly low in comparison with other countries. Second factor could be the outdated atmosphere and facilities we provide to our researchers which need to be advanced considering the development in the field of research. Shortage of competent instructors and lack of laboratory facilities also contribute to the dismal condition.
To improve the condition and overcome the deficiency Ministry of Science and Technology has formulated a five years strategy. According to the plan ministry is conducting foresight studies in eleven different areas including information and communication technology, energy, education, healthcare, agriculture, environment, electronics, water, biotechnology and nanotechnology, and these priority areas have been chosen in line with the Pakistan Vision 2025 document.
Ministry should also encourage scientists and researchers by various incentives, granting awards and increasing PhD allowances and promotions to end the critical issue of brain drain in the country. There is also dire need to re-analyze the priorities by the government to invest on. By allocating four percent of GDP to education and research would not only improve literacy rate but would also help to tackle major issues like poverty, crime and intolerance etc in the society.