The Philippines has been classified as a mere “innovation follower” by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation for not contributing significantly to the global innovation system.
Senator Loren Legarda said the classification also means the country under-invests in scientific research and is not willing to embrace needed reforms that could bolster innovation potential.
“Being a mere follower is simply unacceptable, especially since the Filipino talent has contributed a number of game changing solutions to the world,” she said.
Legarda underscored the need to invest in higher education in order to create an innovation ecosystem.
“Our state universities and colleges need significant support, especially from the government, in conducting researches and projects that can keep pace with the best in the world, and we must not hesitate in investing in institutions that can in fact lead in research and development,” she said.
“We need to promote a culture of innovation to encourage creative thinking and knowledge creation and dissemination towards expanding and maintaining economic competitiveness. But in order to create an innovation ecosystem, we need to invest in higher education,” Legarda added.
Last year, all SUCs received additional funding for academic buildings, equipment and the Tulong Dunong Program. Under the 2017 national budget, the government has subsidized tuition fees for all SUCs to allow everyone the chance to earn a college degree.
“We aim to institutionalize this through the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Bill, already approved by the Senate,” Legarda said.
Legarda also encouraged enrollment in Science, Technology, Education, Agri-fisheries and Mathematics or STEAM programs.
“Prioritizing the provision of state funds to scholars taking up STEAM courses, and other key growth areas such as electronics, business process outsourcing, tourism, general infrastructure and other priority manufacturing industries, will be vital in our effort to build a knowledge-based and innovation economy,” she said.
“I have always believed that giving the necessary financial support to SUCs will help produce a workforce that will support our industries and companies which, in turn, propel the country to inclusive growth and global competitiveness,” she added.