Science parks for South and North West
Two Science parks will be established in the Southern and North
Western provinces to facilitate high-tech industries to operate in a
dynamic environment that enables them to nurture, innovate and develop
ideas.
The parks will contain fully equipped laboratories and office spaces,
innovation centres for designers and industries and convenient amenities
for local and overseas companies.
National centres of excellence will be established in thrust areas in
partnership with state research institutes, universities and the private
sector.
The private sector will be encouraged to invest in research and
development specially in nanotechnology, biotechnology, ICT and
satellite technology.
Government funding for activities related to science and technology
will be increased whilst ensuring proper utilisation of these funds to
obtain maximum benefits for the country.
Universities and research institutes will be upgraded with facilities
to be on par with universities around the world.
The quality and services of the ITI, NSF and the department of
Meteorology will be improved by providing adequate resources.
Priority will be given to problem solving and development oriented
research with knowledge gathering studies to fill the lacuna in the area
of technology and the requirement of the industries in the country.
A significant share of energy production today relies on the use of
fossil fuels. Studies will be conducted to explore alternative energy
sources.
Government expenditure on the import of food, fertilizer, pesticides
and medicines will be minimized through advanced research on declining
soil fertility, reducing the cost of food production, increasing
nutritional values as well as productivity and pest control.
Research studies on water and air and new medications will be
conducted to improve quality of health.
Development of science and technology in relation to process
engineering, mining, electronics, computer modelling, machinery, metal
products, ICT and telecommunications and other manufacturing sectors
will receive priority which would increase efficiency and
competitiveness.
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