The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) hosted a workshop on September 6, 2024, titled “Cambodia’s National R&D Management System,” aimed at bolstering the research ecosystem by helping researchers choose innovative research topics and transfer their results for socio-economic benefits.

The event gathered over 130 representatives from government, research institutions, the scientific community, and academic organizations to discuss the future of R&D in Cambodia and the development of a national R&D funding mechanism.

Dr. Hul Seingheng, Under Secretary of State of MISTI, pointed out that empirical data shows countries investing more than 2% of their GDP in R&D exhibit strong economic integration within the global supply chain. He emphasized that nations making substantial investments in research are able to address local challenges while contributing to global progress in economic and social security. For Cambodia, R&D investment is crucial to solving urgent issues faced by its citizens and businesses.

The Royal Government of Cambodia is committed to enhancing its scientific and technological capabilities, aiming to transition into an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050. As part of this vision, the Cambodia Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Roadmap 2030, approved in 2021, sets ambitious targets for increasing R&D investment. The National Council of Science, Technology & Innovation (NCSTI) was established by a royal decree to oversee the country’s R&D efforts and support socio-economic development.

A cornerstone of the Cambodia STI Roadmap 2030 is the establishment of a national R&D framework designed to enhance the country's scientific and technological capabilities while fostering a competitive economy focused on innovation.

During the workshop, participants reviewed the results of an R&D management system demand survey, which highlighted the needs of researchers and scientists and outlined the concept design of a platform that aims to address these diverse requirements of researchers and industries. The proposed platform seeks to improve technical efficiency and strategically enhance the national innovation ecosystem. Participants offered valuable insights and feedback to help shape an ecosystem that meets Cambodia's unique challenges and opportunities.

The National Research Agenda 2025 highlights a critical initiative to develop a comprehensive R&D management system for Cambodia. This system will serve as a foundation for knowledge creation and promote innovation across eight key areas: 1) local food production, 2) energy supply, 3) high-quality education, 4) electronic and automotive spare parts, 5) quality electricity and water, 6) cloud-based services, 7) digital health solutions, and 8) carbon neutrality.

Dr. Hul Seingheng emphasized the importance of systematic and scientific approaches in R&D, highlighting that investment in both soft and hard infrastructure is vital for enhancing Cambodia’s regional and global economic competitiveness. He pointed out that a ready and robust R&D management system is essential to building trust among the government and stakeholders.

The workshop also featured a panel discussion with prominent researchers and government officials, covering a range of topics such as challenges and opportunities, sustainability, the government's role, and key indicators for developing a robust R&D management system tailored to Cambodia's current context and future needs.

The discussion emphasized strategies to promote collaboration within the triple-helix model, ensuring that the system not only drives scientific discoveries but also fosters technological advancements that contribute to competitiveness, societal prosperity, and economic growth. The panel also highlighted global best practices from countries that have successfully implemented national R&D management systems, offering insights that Cambodia can adapt and replicate based on its unique context.

Dr. Seingheng also stressed the necessity of stakeholder engagement in future R&D initiatives in Cambodia, noting that advancements in science and technology are critical in driving the transformation from a labor-intensive economy to a knowledge-based economy.

MISTI will use these insights from the workshop to inform its future policy formulation. The inputs and feedback will also be used to produce a final report for a wider audience.