Cambodia’s National Policy on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) 2020-203

The National Policy on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) 2020-2030, established by the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, aims to significantly strengthen and improve the environment for science, technology, and innovation in the country. The policy is driven by the government’s commitment to sustainable socioeconomic development and enhancing the quality of life for its population, with the overarching goal of transforming Cambodia into an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050.

The policy outlines several key areas for development, emphasising the vital role of STI as both a catalyst and a driver for economic progress, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. It underscores the importance of developing a robust national innovation ecosystem that can synthesise technologies and engineering to achieve significant national accomplishments and incremental innovations. This is expected to boost priority industries and businesses for local consumption and export, leading to more productive development.

Human resource development is another central focus of the policy, advocating for the development and strengthening of sufficient STI human resources with high quality, ethical standards, and gender equality. The government plans to foster these capabilities through education, training, and the establishment of a conducive environment for the nation’s STI human resources to achieve their full potential.

Additionally, the policy stresses the need for an inclusive STI culture within society to build public confidence and trust in products and services that incorporate national technologies. This involves instilling a sense of pride and satisfaction in those who contribute to STI development, as well as ensuring that the governance of STI reforms yields satisfactory outcomes.

To implement these ambitious goals, the policy sets forth specific strategies and actions, including the development of legal frameworks, financial support mechanisms, and an action plan that involves all relevant stakeholders, such as ministries, institutions, the private sector, and civil society. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are also detailed to ensure the efficient execution of the policy, aiming at not only achieving national development goals but also contributing to global development agendas like the sustainable development goals (SDGs).