The Technology Executive Committee (TEC) of the UNFCCC held a workshop on strengthening national systems of innovation in developing countries.
The workshop outlined the complexities of a national system of innovation, pointing the way to policies, regulatory frameworks and standards that could invigorate and sustain innovation.
The workshop also highlighted the co-benefits of climate innovation as a driver of economic growth and well-being.
14 October 2014: The Technology Executive Committee (TEC) of the UNFCCC held a workshop on strengthening national systems of innovation in developing countries. The workshop outlined the complexities of a national system of innovation, pointing the way to policies, regulatory frameworks and standards that could invigorate and sustain innovation. The workshop also highlighted the co-benefits of climate innovation as a driver of economic growth and well-being.
More than 70 participants, including representatives from UNFCCC Parties and observers, TEC members and leading technology experts, attended the workshop, which was held 13-14 October 2014 in Bonn, Germany. Also in attendance were the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) Director and Advisory Board Chair and the Adaptation Committee Co-Chair.
Seventeen speakers gave presentations on the themes of the workshop’s three sessions: ‘strengthening national systems of innovation;’ ‘issues related to knowledge transfer between national systems of innovation;’ and ‘knowledge transfer mechanisms: enhancing collaboration.’ The experts represented the academic, private and intergovernmental sectors and came from both developing and developed countries.
While a number of presentations and case studies honed in on the ultimate goal of large-scale and diffuse climate innovation, many speakers pointed to the underlying architecture that allows such innovation to prosper. Speakers underscored that while there may be a tendency to focus on climate technology innovation, it is important to also foster innovative changes in related policy and regulatory frameworks. The experts emphasized the importance of networking with stakeholders, sharing knowledge, developing a shared vision and supporting experimentation in order to build strong national systems of innovation.
TEC works to create enabling environments for technology development and transfer. The Committee’s 2014-2015 workplan aims to break down barriers to technological innovation to boost action on climate change. At its next meeting in March 2015, TEC will consider how to best continue this work, taking into account the outcomes of the workshop. [TEC Workshop Webpage] [IISD RS Sources] [Workshop Webcast] [TEC Press Release]