Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the establishment of a single apex science and innovation body for Sri Lanka, drawing inspiration from Singapore's highly successful Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) model. This proposal comes following Premadasa's recent discussions and first-hand exposure to Singapore's integrated approach to scientific research and technological advancement.
Singapore's A*STAR Model as Blueprint
Singapore's A*STAR represents one of the world's most effective examples of centralized science and technology governance. Established in 1991, A*STAR has transformed Singapore into a global hub for research and innovation, attracting billions in investment and fostering breakthrough discoveries across multiple sectors including biomedical sciences, manufacturing technology, and digital innovation.
The agency operates under a unified structure that coordinates research institutes, provides funding, develops talent, and facilitates industry partnerships. This integrated approach has enabled Singapore to punch above its weight in the global innovation landscape, despite its small size and limited natural resources.
Sri Lanka's Current Science Landscape
Currently, Sri Lanka's science and innovation ecosystem operates through multiple fragmented institutions and agencies. Various ministries oversee different aspects of research and development, including the Ministry of Technology, Ministry of Higher Education, and several autonomous research institutions. This scattered approach often leads to duplication of efforts, inefficient resource allocation, and missed opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
The country's research and development spending remains significantly below international standards, with limited coordination between academic institutions, government bodies, and private sector entities. This fragmentation has hindered Sri Lanka's ability to leverage its considerable intellectual capital and natural advantages in areas such as agriculture, marine sciences, and traditional medicine.
Proposed Benefits of Unified Structure
Premadasa's proposal for a single apex body aims to address these systemic challenges by creating a centralized authority responsible for coordinating all science and innovation activities across Sri Lanka. Such a structure would potentially offer several key advantages:
Enhanced coordination between research institutions would eliminate redundancies and foster collaborative projects that leverage diverse expertise. A unified funding mechanism could ensure more strategic allocation of limited resources, directing investment toward high-impact research areas aligned with national development priorities.
The proposed body could also serve as a single point of contact for international partnerships and technology transfer initiatives, making it easier for foreign investors and research institutions to engage with Sri Lankan counterparts. This streamlined approach could accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes and strengthen links between academia and industry.
Implementation Challenges and Considerations
While the concept holds significant promise, establishing such a comprehensive science and innovation body would require careful planning and substantial political commitment. Key challenges include restructuring existing institutions, ensuring adequate funding, and developing appropriate governance mechanisms that balance centralized coordination with institutional autonomy.
The transition would also need to address concerns about bureaucratic efficiency and maintain the specialized focus that individual research institutions currently provide. Success would depend on attracting qualified leadership, establishing clear performance metrics, and creating incentive structures that promote both basic research and applied innovation.
Regional Context and Global Trends
Sri Lanka's consideration of this model aligns with broader regional trends toward more integrated science and innovation governance. Countries across Asia have increasingly recognized that fragmented research ecosystems limit their competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
India's recent establishment of the National Research Foundation and Malaysia's integrated approach through various agencies demonstrate growing recognition of the need for more coordinated science policy. These examples provide valuable lessons for Sri Lanka's potential implementation of a similar structure.
Economic Development Implications
The establishment of a unified science and innovation body could play a crucial role in Sri Lanka's economic recovery and long-term development strategy. By fostering innovation-driven growth, such an institution could help diversify the economy beyond traditional sectors and create high-value employment opportunities for the country's educated workforce.
Strategic focus areas could include digital technology, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and biotechnology – sectors where Sri Lanka possesses existing capabilities that could be enhanced through coordinated research and development efforts.
Path Forward
As Sri Lanka continues to navigate economic challenges and seek sustainable development pathways, Premadasa's proposal represents a forward-thinking approach to leveraging science and innovation for national progress. The success of such an initiative would ultimately depend on sustained political commitment, adequate resource allocation, and effective implementation that learns from both Singapore's successes and the specific needs of Sri Lanka's unique context.
The proposal opens important discussions about how Sri Lanka can better organize its scientific capabilities to compete in an increasingly knowledge-based global economy while addressing pressing domestic challenges through evidence-based solutions and technological innovation.