UNCTAD launched an initiative in 2005 to set up a network of centres of excellence on science and technology in developing countries, as announced at a meeting of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development in May. The Italian Government expressed his willingness to initially fund this project with a US$500,000 grant.
Existing centres of excellence that already possess adequate infrastructure and critical mass in their scientific and technological R&D work will be selected for inclusion in the network. There are currently over 100 science and technology institutions. The idea is to turn the centres of excellence into regional hubs that can conduct joint research in areas of importance to developing countries, reversing the negative impact of “brain drain” by producing researchers able to tackle their countries´ challenges.
The network should also enhance the capacity of developing countries to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
See www.unctad.org/press
Source: INSME, Italy