Imbert: Science and technology vital for TT’s growth

TO ACHIEVE growth, Trinidad and Tobago must place increased emphasis on science and technology and apply technology across all sectors,  Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education Colm Imbert said when he spoke at the launch of  the Draft Report of the  Vision 2020 Sub-Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation on Monday. Imbert said government intended to invest more of the country’s resources in financial incentives and support for higher education and for research and development, particularly in the area of science and technology. He said science and technology innovation was an important prerequisite for the country’s long-term development.

“This should be self-evident, yet in many developing countries, there is little appreciation of this fact among decision-makers as well as the general public. Many people do not know or do not realise the benefits of financing and promoting scientific and technical research and development,” he said. Imbert announced plans for a National Science and Technology Council to advise the government and all matters affecting endeavours in science, technology and innovation, and its effects on the country’s socio-economic growth, development and competitiveness.