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STEPAN was established in May 1988 as a response to
an urgent development need to strengthen science and technology (S&T)
policy formulation and strategic management of publicly funded research
in developing nations in Asia. The establishment of this network was
first recommended at the `Second Conference of Ministers Responsible
for the Application of Science and Technology to Development' and
those `Responsible for Economic Planning in Asia and the Pacific'
(CASTASIA ¥±), sponsored by UNESCO in 1982. Following two planning
meetings in Bangalore (1983) and Beijing (1985), funded by UNESCO,
the network was finally realised through initiations of the focal
points of Sri Lanka and Australia.
Under the sponsorship of UNESCO, NFP of Sri Lanka Drafted the STEPAN
Action Plan whilst the Center for Technology and Social Change (CTSC)
at University of Wollongong, the Australian NFP, organized the inaugural
meeting to establish the network in 1988. The coordination board
meeting held in Hanoi, Vietnam (1992), re-elected CTSC as Regional
Center for another three years. 1996-1998 term had been served by
Indonesian Institute of Science (PAPIPTEK-LIPI), Indonesia. From
1999 to 2001, STEPI had taken a role of Regional Center and 2002-2004 India
The network has passed a number of important milestones. It has
made a significant impact on national S&T policy and innovation
studies in the region by promoting S&T policy activities at
the highest government levels. It has trained a large number of
key policy-makers in governments and these members now interact
effectively forming a strong network. UNESCO initiatives have championed
these networking activities. The most significant impact of STEPAN
activities on national governments has been in the area of training
and human-resource development. STEPAN has initiated a number of
training courses for personnel from government, university and private
sector Institutions in wide ranging research policy, technology
and innovation management topics. |
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