EQUIFRAME ANALYSIS OF THE NPSTI The NPSTI seeks to harness the potential of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in promoting

5.3 EQUIFRAME ANALYSIS OF THE NPSTI The NPSTI seeks to harness the potential of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in promoting

inclusive growth; it “…charts new directions to guide the implementation of STI in creating a scientifically advanced nation for socioeconomic transformation and inclusive growth …” (p.4). For the purpose of this analysis, access to Science, Technology and Innovation in the NPSTI must primarily be

understood as an opportunity, much like a service that all are entitled to benefit from. The analysis seeks to assess NPSTI from a human rights perspective and the extent to which NPSTI promotes equitable access to STO for vulnerable groups.

The ambition of the NPSTI is universal in character; th e policy states “…STI should be pervasive and touch the lives of every Malaysian …” (p.4). While NPSTI mentions only one vulnerable group, namely those with limited resources, it states that an Inclusive Roadmap (2013-2020) would be formulated and implement ed “…to address the concerns and needs of the excluded, including the concerns and needs of the excluded, including the disadvantaged and low income groups …” (p.15). No other vulnerable groups were mentioned in the NPSTI.

In terms of core concepts coverage, (Table 2) NPSTI scores 73%. Out of a total of 21 Core Concepts (CCs), 15 CCs were deemed relevant in the context of the NPSTI. The policy references 11 out of these

15 core concepts. The following Core Concepts were mentioned explicitly in the outcome document: “individualised services”, “participation”, “protection from harm”, “autonomy”, “integration”, “accountability”, “capacity building”, “access”, “quality”, and “efficiency”.

Intentions to monitor the implementation of the above mentioned Core Concepts is not expressed in the NPSTI. However, specific policy actions were identified which would address the Core Concepts of

“Individualised services”, “participation”, “protection from harm”, “autonomy”, “accountability”, “capacity building”, “access” and “efficiency”.

Table 2 - Core Concepts, Associated Language in the NPSTI and the Number of Times a Core

Concept was Addressed

Core Concepts

Example of Key Language

Number of Times Mentioned

1. Non-discrimination

2. Individualised “Formulate and implement an Inclusive Roadmap 1 Services

(2013-2020) to address the concerns and needs of the

Core Concepts

Example of Key Language

Number of Times Mentioned

excluded, including the disadvantage and low income groups” (p.15)

3. Entitlement

4. Capability Based

Service 5. Participation

“Promote and enhance meaningful, effective and equitable female participation in STI at all levels and in

all sectors” (p.13); “the participation of consumers, 3 customers and citizens which is a new component of the Quadruple Helix approach” (p.16)

6. Coordination of “Linkages and collaborations among the public and Services

private sector, research organizations, and industry- 1

specific research institutes must be forged” (p.7)

7. Protection from “Conduct outreach programmes to raise awareness on 2

Harm

ethics and humanities in society” (p.18)

8. Liberty

NA 9. Autonomy

NA

“Provide greater autonomy to public and private IHLs and PRIs to spur industry collaboration and

entrepreneurship” (p.17)

10. Privacy

NA 11. Integration

NA

“Advancing and mainstreaming STI at all levels and in all sectors” (p.6); “It [STI for policy] ensures that STI are mainstreamed into, embraced and implemented by, all

2 ministries, agencies, private sectors and all relevant stakeholders” (p.7)

12. Contribution

13. Family Resource

NA 14. Family Support

NA

NA 15. Cultural

NA

NA

NA Responsiveness

16. Accountability “Transforming STI governance” (p.5); “the STI governance must be enhanced to ensure effective

2 implementation of policies and strategies with improved

transparency and accountability” (p.16)

17. Prevention

NA 18. Capacity Building “NPSTI deals with policies and strategies to enhance

education and research for capacity building in the STI 8 related areas” (p.7); “needs to build its talent pool, secondly in nurturing and retaining talent…” (p.12);

Core Concepts

Example of Key Language

Number of Times Mentioned

“programs also incorporate the issue of talent building” (p.12); “to elevate innovative capacity among industries “ (p.14); “nurture domestic talents” (p.20)

19. Access “Public awareness of STI is critical” (p.18); “establish an advisory body to guide STI public awareness and

promotions” (p.18); “Improve the delivery of STI 6 services” (p.11)

20. Quality “Increase uptake of home grown R&D innovative products through clear guidelines and standards

compliance” (p.11); “innovate and improve public sector 2 delivery system” (p.17)

21. Efficiency “The innovative potential of the public service, including the policy makers and implementers should be harnessed to ensure a more efficient and effective delivery system’ (p.8); “innovate and improve public

sector delivery system” (p.17); “In line with the demands 3 required to become a high-income economy, the public

service delivery system should be further improved” (p.8)