The National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021–2030 establishes Malaysia’s strategic direction for the development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (STIE). It aims to strengthen science, technology and innovation in national development, support an innovation-led economy, promote the development and application of local technology, and encourage innovation for economic growth, societal well-being and quality of life. The Policy sets a vision of a sustainable, inclusive and scientifically enriched society towards a high-tech nation and provides six policy thrusts covering STI governance, technology development through research, development, commercialisation and innovation (R&D&C&I), local technology-based industry, STI talent, the enculturation and application of STIE, and global prominence. The Policy provides for the strengthening of STI governance through institutional coordination, STI-related legal provisions, strategic foresight, and mechanisms for planning, managing, evaluating and monitoring national R&D&C&I activities. Research measures include establishing national research priority areas, supporting fundamental and applied research and experimental development, improving research capacity and integrity, and establishing guidelines for R&D fund management. The Policy also provides for alternative research funding and open data sharing through the Malaysia Open Science Platform, including research data, expertise, facilities and equipment. Measures concerning local technology-based industry address industry-led collaborative networks, commercialisation of STI products and services, technology transfer and adoption of local technologies by small and medium enterprises. The Policy provides for mechanisms concerning intellectual property valuation, commercialisation and capacity development, as well as incentives and matching grants for research and innovation activities. Talent measures include national STI talent planning and career mapping, STEM and TVET education, upskilling and reskilling, industry participation in curriculum development, and public-private cooperation on training and employment. The Policy also provides for science communication and public application of technology, together with domestic and international cooperation in STIE. International measures cover research collaboration, bilateral and multilateral partnerships, exchanges of researchers, experts and students, and the promotion and commercialisation of Malaysian STI products and services in international markets. Implementation is structured through 20 strategies, 46 initiatives and 10 STIE Game Changer Programmes, with action plans divided across 2021–2022, 2023–2025 and 2026–2030. The Policy establishes nine main targets for the 2021–2030 period, including targets concerning R&D expenditure, experimental development, local technology, STI talent, industry-led collaborative networks, STEM employment and innovation-based technopreneurship.
Malaysia · 2021-01-01