Science & Technology

The area of science and technology has been identified by the Ministry as a priority area from which to generate growth and development in Jamaica. Science and technology (S&T) is not just a discipline which facilitates the creation of new opportunities. The essence of globalisation dictates that in order to be competitive and to achieve greater efficiencies and productivity in all sectors, including the traditional production and export sectors, we must make practical/commercial use of innovations and emerging technologies and demonstrate mastery in niche markets.

Importantly also, the Government of Jamaica is seeking to nurture new and indigenous industries which draw on our unique strengths, aptitudes and resources - industries which promote strong inter-sectoral linkages and high value added and which can ultimately maximize employment as well as promote the transfer of technology. Particularly for developing countries such as Jamaica, the introduction of new and improved communications technology gives the opportunity to access the latest and more powerful communications infrastructure and benefit from relative cost advantages compared to those countries which must now update their networks. Of critical importance to the nation at this time is the potential for the development and growth of new industries.

The Ministry's Agency, the Scientific Research Council (SRC), was established by an Act of Parliament in 1960 to undertake, foster and coordinate scientific research in Jamaica and to encourage the application of the results of such research to the exploitation and development of the nation’s resources. The SRC’s role is to stimulate economic growth in Jamaica by broadening the industrial base that focuses on the utilization of local resources. The SRC also provides technical support to industry to enhance performance in an increasingly competitive market. In carrying out its functions, the SRC:

• Actively seeks to develop new and improved marketable Jamaican value-added products.
• Promotes the commercialization and subsequent sale of products and technologies based on local raw materials.
• Serves as a source for science and technology (S&T) information.
• Provides technical support, training and transfer of technology to the agro-industrial sector.
• Provides technical support, training and advice for the management and optimization of waste in several sectors, including tourism.
• Promotes increasing public awareness of the relevance of science and technology to national development.
• Monitors the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies to enhance productivity in selected sectors.
• Promotes, through partnership with local communities, the economic management of important local resources in a sustainable manner.
• Facilitates and encourages the development of the national innovation system.

The SRC is a major national centre where all Jamaicans can benefit from assistance in information and practical and theoretical uses of science and technology.

The Technology Division of the Ministry has responsibility for science, as well as the activities of the Scientific Research Council. The Ministry also collaborates with the National Commission on Science and Technology on S&T matters that are of national interest.