Marcos launches PH innovation agenda

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday vowed to nurture innovation and sustainable development as he launched the national blueprint which aims to enhance innovation in governance.

At the launch of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023-2032, Marcos reiterated the importance of innovation as the «transformative agent of our time,» saying it will help shape a future that is progressive, sustainable, and safe.

«Encapsulated within the NIASD is the blueprint that will accelerate the country's innovation governance as well as promote a culture of innovation among scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and of course citizens,» he said.

«This document is not just a plan but a commitment to making innovation an indispensable component of our nation's development agenda, and a key driver in our vision to achieve a truly smart and innovative Philippines,» he added.

Approved on June 30, 2023 by the President, the NIASD outlines the 10-year vision, long-term goals and strategies for improving the country's innovation priorities and governance.

It underscores the government's commitment to provide an enabling environment that supports entrepreneurs and innovation actors, through five innovation enablers — the National Innovation Council as the innovation governing body, policies, infrastructure, finance and programs.

«We shall bolster spending for research and development (R&D); support local enterprises; ensure food security through smart agricultural inputs to empower local producers; facilitate efficient and secure financial services; accelerate digitalization efforts to boost manufacturing processes and commercialization of products and services; improve mobility through better urban-rural