While in previous S&T programs like the Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND), PCAMRD focused on the so-called export winners (i.e. shrimps, tuna, seaweeds and milkfish) and other priority areas (i.e. the aquatic environmental impact of benefit derived from such S&T intervention was not clear and quantified.
Considering that S&T is a vital input to the nation's economic growth and progress, the results of research and development efforts need to be properly identified and measured. If S&T is to "make a difference" to Society, it should not only be knowledge-based and innovation-centered but also demand-driven and socially-oriented.
For more defined S&T outputs, there is need for distinct technology "road maps". Moreover, scientists and technologist who are supported by Society have to ensure that benefits accruing from their S&T activities will redound to the welfare and progress of Society.
Strategies:
A new approach for the awarding of research and development grants-in-aid of PCAMRD will be adopted. In lieu of the "supply driven" mode, a "demand-driven" mode will be applied in the review and approval of R&D proposals. This means that the proposals submitted to PCAMRD for funding support will have to meet the following criteria, among others:
1. The problem of Society (i.e. fisheries industry and aquatic resources management) to be addressed by the R&D should be defined and prioritized.
2. A technology development "road map" must be indicated.
3. Socioeconomic outputs/benefits should be identified and quantified.
For more relevant and cost-effective aquatic technology arrangement, mature technologies in fisheries and aquatic resources development to be identified by PCAMRD will be practically pursued in a "co-venture approach" with selected private sector adoptors/cooperators. PCAMRD may provide financial equity up to 40% for MOOE only and/or provide technical services for commercial pilot testing for aquatic technologies with a scheme for possible return of investment and profit-sharing (in proportion to equity) in cases of commercial success. An initial PhP 3 million will be allotted for this new approach of S&T intervention.
For encouraging researchers to become more innovative and enterprising, PCAMRD shall allocate an initial fund of PhP 2 million for aquatic technology enterprise development. This is to allow researchers to intervene more intensely in ensuring the proper utilization and possible commercialization of their research results and share in their economic benefits. Instead of the usual "honorarium system" of providing incentives to researchers, a new breed of scientist-entrepreneurs who will be true innovators, creators of "new wealth" and sharers of commercial profit will hopefully evolve.
To institute the concept of "Social Contract" for aquatic technology development, researchers and cooperator participants of the ATMED Program will asked to commit themselves to a Memorandum of Agreement or contract spelling out clearly the role and responsibilities of each party, the terms and conditions of the relationship and scheme of cost/profit-sharing.
DR. RAFAEL D. GUERRERO III is the Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development under the Department of Science and Technology. He also holds the rank of Career Executive Service Officer II.
