Questions/Answers

In 2016, 80% of government R&D budget was spent in Metro Manila and adjacent Regions, and the other 14 Regions shared in the remaining 20%. In order to address the disparity in the distribution of R&D funding, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) initiated the Science for Change Program (S4CP) that aims to promote inclusive innovation by leveling the field for R&D across Regions; catalyzing research collaboration and cooperation between industry and academe and research institutions; and de-risking R&D for micro-, small- and medium-enterprises to encourage them to undertake R&D for improved productivity and global competitiveness. The S4CP provides an enabling platform where government, academe, and industry in the country collectively pursue relevant and impactful research for accelerated socio-economic development. There are 4 sub-program under the S4CP. The Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) aims to capacitate Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the regions to make significant improvements in regional research by integrating development needs into existing R&D research capabilities and resources. The R&D Leadership Program (RDLEAD) engages local experts to lead and strengthen the research capabilities of academic institutions, R&D centers, institutes and other national government agencies (NGAs) located in any part of the country. In the past, most R&D outputs were not tailored to fit the specific needs of industry as most large companies in the Philippines are not open to collaborating with research institutions, resulting to low commercialization rate of R&D outputs. To reverse the situation, the Collaborative R&D to Leverage PH Economy (CRADLE) for RDIs and Industry Program will change the academic and research practice from being publication-centric to being industry-driven, thereby maximizing socio-economic impacts. The Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry Program aims to level-up the innovation capacity of Filipino-owned companies by providing financial assistance for the acquisition of new and relevant technologies for research.

The Science for Change Program enhances the ability of state universities and colleges, government research and development institutions, private companies and Regional Development Councils to use Research and Development (R&D) to address SDGs 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 and 15, by establishing R&D centers that address these SDGs, address the disparity of R&D funding (SDG 10) by deliberately matching Regional needs with R&D capability, and catalyze partnerships among government, academe, industry and the civil society (SDG 17), by undertaking relevant and impactful R&D to contribute to socio-economic development.

The Science for Change Program (S4CP) endeavors to massively increase investments in S&T human resources and research and development. It has four components which respond to the agenda of building strong economic foundations for all countries and SDG 9 to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) for R&D -capacitates Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) around the country to make significant improvement in regional research and help improve S&T infrastructure. NICER promotes inclusive growth that will benefit the research community and the industry. Collaborative R&D to Leverage the Philippine Economy (CRADLE) - creates synergies between the academe and industry to invigorate Philippine R&D. CRADLE helps the industry gain competitive edge in the market through the development of innovative products, processes and/or services in response to changing local and global dynamics. R&D Leadership (RDLead) - allows HEIs or R&D institutions to engage experts to help strengthen their research capabilities. The RDLead complements the NICER component by steering the established centers towards national and globally competitive R&D endeavors. Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry - helps Filipino companies in acquiring strategic and relevant technologies for purposes of R&D to level-up innovation.

The Science for Change Program (S4CP) has two main objectives: 1) to change the R&D landscape in the country by making it more inclusive by building the capacities of the higher education institutes in the country; and 2) support the industry sector to enhance the competitiveness of local products. When these goals are met, the country will be totally equipped to develop new products and technologies that can be commercialized and used by the Filipino people, thereby ensuring the socio-economic development of many.

Philippine governance is capital centric as evident in the seat of power, e.g. the office of the Philippine President, Senate, Congress, most of the national government agencies are all in the National Capital Region (NCR). This caused a disparity in the R&D investments across the country wherein around 80% of the budget goes to NCR and neighboring regions III and IV-A while the rest have to share the remaining 20%. Aligned to this national direction, the Science for Change Program supported this initiative through prioritization of Regional R&D proposals and through the establishment of Niche Centers in the Region for R&D (NICER) to support decentralization and address inequality in financial resources across the regions, improve the R&D capacity of local government units (LGUs), increase the share of national R&D allocation to LGUs, and facilitate the devolution envisioned by the national government. Currently, the program has increased R&D funds in the regions with 54.6% while 45.4% goes to NCR, Regions III and IV-A.

The Science for Change Program advocates gender-sensitive and gender-responsive campaigns in ensuring equal representation across the entire organization through the requirement of Gender and Development (GAD) scorecards in all submitted R&D proposals. This ensures advancements in science, technology, and innovation, with equal representation and opportunities for all genders. Across more than 1,800 R&D proposals since 2016, the gender distribution of R&D personnel gears towards a gender-responsive R&D landscape to ensure fair opportunity for all.

The Science for Change Program aims to strengthen Higher Education Institutions and enhance the competitiveness of Filipino-owned companies. Through this initiative, we have increased the income and productivity of small-scale farmers, fisherfolks, and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, improved academe-industry relationships, and empowered R&D-based industries. For example in the Freshwater Fisheries Center of Isabela State University under the NICER program, the center capacitated 65 fish farmers, 7 Indigenous Peoples, and 12 Fisheries Professionals wherein some local fish farmers reported earnings of about Php 2,000,000.00 (US$ 40,000.00) through the help of the center. The collaborative research of University of Southeastern Philippines and Hijo Resources Corporation (HRC) under CRADLE produced a technology which maps the diseases in the banana plantation. It has reduced pesticide spraying without affecting fruit quality, resulting in about 77% cost savings for HRC. The financial assistance of Php 11.7M (US$230,000.00) to the Herbanext Laboratories Inc. under the BIST Program was used to acquire equipment to semi-purify herbal extracts which enabled them to develop pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. Through this, the BIST Program has also helped small-scale farmers where Herbanext is purchasing its raw herbal plants at a rate of 1-2 tons/month.

In 2017, the Department of Science and Technology started to implement the Science for Change Program (S4CP) with four sub-components: NICER, RDLead, CRADLE and BIST to catalyze inclusive innovation and development across the 17 regions of the Philippines. Initially in the same year, the S4CP Guidelines was formulated to guide stakeholders in implementing the Program. In 2019, consultations were conducted to help refine the guidelines and was presented to the DOST Executive Committee. The S4CP revised guidelines was approved in October 2020. Through the Science for Change Program Management Office (S4C-PMO) relevant activities were conducted based on the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Protocol of the DOST namely: 1) stakeholder engagement; 2) call for proposals; 3) proposal evaluation; 4) project implementation; and 5) impact evaluation. Essentially, the S4C-PMO conducted consultations/write shops, issued a Call for Proposals each year since 2016, and conducted initial assessment/evaluation of the submitted proposals. The proposals were then processed and referred to the appropriate Sectoral Planning Council for technical review and evaluation. The S4C-PMO processed the documents related to the release of funds for the approved programs/projects. The S4C-PMO is also responsible for the conduct of inception meetings and monitoring of the approved programs/projects. For the NICER Program, the endorsement of the DOST Regional Office (DOST-RO) and Regional Development Council (RDC) are requirements for the evaluation and approval of the proposal to ensure the alignment of the R&D centers in the socio-economic development initiatives of the region. For the CRADLE Program, several Academe-Industry Forums were convened. The DOST-RO strengthened the Academe-Industry collaboration in the regions by linking industries with R&D needs to the appropriate HEI/RDI. The DOST-RO conducted activities such as consultations or write shops to generate CRADLE proposals. To start the collaboration, aside from the call for proposals, the S4C-PMO conducted dialogues between private industries and HEls/RDIs.

In the first year of implementation, securing the budget for the Science for Change Program was difficult since it was a new initiative. While there were many proponents for the NICER and CRADLE Programs, only few proposals qualified since the guidelines were not fully understood by the proponents. Massive information campaign and proponent engagement in the second year helped us overcome these obstacles for the NICER, RDLead, and CRADLE Programs. It took 2 years for the BIST Program to have its first approved project since proposing R&D projects for government funding was quite new for private companies.

In the past, the Philippines has experienced regional disparity in access to R&D funding due to its archipelagic topography. Whenever there is an open call for proposals for R&D, proposals coming from Metro Manila and adjacent Regions are the usual successful proponents. Since S&T HRD has produced a critical mass of researchers, it is necessary to provide opportunities, infrastructure and resources to these researchers to maximize their impact. Connecting the Regional developmental needs with the R&D capability of universities and colleges in the Regions ensures that R&D conducted by these institutions will address a regional concern.

Funding for R&D in the private sector and R&D collaboration between academe and industry is practiced in most developed countries. The S4CP was patterned to some of the successful funding programs in Asia such as Japan’s university-industry collaborative R&D and the technology acquisition fund of Malaysia. In the case of the Philippines, the S4C Program does not solely focus on investing in high value technology but more on funding grassroots innovation that benefits regional development that enables universities and the private sector across the country to be involved in R&D initiatives.

Not applicable.

No.

The Science for Change Program has yet to be adapted in other countries or regions. But by actively involving our provincial offices, Regional Development Council (RDC), state universities and colleges, the businesses of varying scales – micro, small, medium and large, and the lawmakers, we were able to successfully reach all 17 regions of our archipelagic country and established research centers, engaged local experts to strengthen research capabilities of the academia and government personnel, ignited collaboration between the academia and businesses and encouraged R&D-based industry roadmap among local companies for the last 5 years. We are confident that this approach can be adapted not only by our neighboring Southeast Asian countries but in other regions of the world as well. The whole of nation approach that the Science for Change Program is embodying will not only facilitate multi-sector collaboration but knowledge and skill sharing to solve pressing problems toward a common goal of inclusive national economic development.

The total funds used in the implementation of the S4CP is US$26.3, for (1) Personnel Services (US$7.8M), (2) Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (US$5.5M), and (3) Equipment Outlay – (US$13M). The DOST Regional Offices actively provide technical assistance to S4CP’s projects and activities in the regions and in monitoring project developments together with the DOST Councils. The Regional Development Councils are also in the forefront of enabling S4CP efforts in setting economic and social development in the regions. S4CP also participated in industry organizations’ events, regional caravans, forums, consultations and writeshops, to increase proponent engagements and capacity building.

The S4CP bill, when implemented, provides solid support to STI for an equitable, comprehensive and sustainable development. The bill encompasses continuous grant and optimal utilization of the R&D budget for scientific solutions to national problems. Another effort is the DBM’s forward estimates, enabling S4CP in delivering greater output efficiency in the coming years through setting long term estimates on funding projects/programs. Additionally, there is the Mandanas Ruling to improve LGU’s capacity through impartial allocation of the Internal Revenue Allotment. Enabling LGUs translates to enhancing people’s lives in communities, especially those from distant economic growth centers, thus making governance more inclusive.

Yes

The evaluation was Theory of Change-based and was carried out by the Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation Team of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development – Socio Economic Research Division (PCAARRD-SERD). The evaluation examined the validity of the ToC and the logic models or impact pathways which are direct derivatives of the theory. The evaluation used both primary (through surveys and KIIs) and secondary data (from S4CP reports and other relevant documents, including quarterly progress and annual reports and monitoring reports of the projects under each component program, the S4C Book, press releases, etc).

Indicators specific to the inputs, outputs, and outcomes in the Impact Pathway were tracked including number and list of: 1) equipment acquired and facilities upgraded; 2) technologies developed and adopted/transferred; 3) trainings conducted; 4) people trained; and 5) collaborations facilitated (i.e., MOA/MOU), among others. Global Innovation Index (GII) Ranking and the Program’s contribution to SDGs were also assessed.

Since its implementation, there have been significant changes in the appreciation for research and development (R&D) initiatives in the country. The role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in improving the quality of products and services provided to stakeholders became more recognized. The activities conducted under the program led to improvements in the capacity of RDIs, HEIs, and public and private institutions in conducting R&D and/or providing S&T services. The program developed/enhanced S&T expertise and facilitated its utilization for various stakeholders’ needs. Capacity-building through human resource and facilities development resulted in an increase of R&D projects and sustained operations in the regional R&D centers. Concurrent with these are improvements in innovation capacity of the country as reflected in the satisfactory improvement of the Philippines’ Global Innovation Index ranking, from ranking 73rd out of 127 countries in 2017, to 51st out of 132 countries in 2021. The initiatives under the program also contributed to the attainment of several SDGs. Lawmakers have recommended its institutionalization as a “national strategy to accelerate the development of STI in the country.” This would entail allocation of more funds to the S4C program’s activities and will ensure the sustainability and greater effectiveness of the initiative.

Given the challenge of integrating policies among government agencies, the S4CP follows the whole-of-nation approach which optimizes the impact of government funding and ensures the multiplier effect of its resources. The program’s implementation works hand-in-hand with the Regional Offices. This reinvigorated interest of the public and encouraged participation of more stakeholders from academe, the local government units and industry. In fact, the S4CP motivated the creation of a Regional R&D and Innovation Council which has served as a platform for initiating collaboration and soliciting policy support to institutionalize various S&T programs in the regions. This is strengthened by the initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry through the Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers which integrates the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem of the country. Thus, even with low funding for R&D, innovation has flourished evident by the rise in ranking from 100th in 2014 to 51st in the 2021 GII report. This is reconfirmed in the UNCTAD 2021 report, stating that the Philippines performed beyond their expected capacity, based on their capita GDP. Further, the legislation of the Philippine Innovation Act in 2019 shows the important role of the government in mainstreaming innovation.

The DOST recognizes that pre-proposal activities are critical steps in the R&D process. It is both a preparatory stage for all stakeholders to engage in R&D, proposal formulation, and leveling off with researchers on what R&D outputs, outcomes, and impacts are expected from DOST grants. A stakeholder refers to any individual, entity, or organization that has an input, interest, or benefit and those that will be affected in the DOST program/project outcomes. The DOST also recognizes the critical role of communication in cascading the R&D results which is proof of R&D roles in achieving inclusive growth and development. For the S4CP, platforms and activities in boosting communications with various stakeholders are enabled. Moreover, under the S4CP, a Program Steering Committee was also created to oversee the efficient, timely and smooth implementation of all approved projects in compliance with established guidelines. The steering committee is composed of the executive directors of DOST monitoring and evaluating Councils, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, and key officers from private sector groups.

We learned that we need the Science for Change Program to deliberately equalize opportunities for R&D across the Regions in the Philippines; engage the private sector to show the importance of R&D and provide catalysts for academe-industry partnership; and include the regional development in the R&D agenda of the universities, research institutes and the private sector. We need to continuously monitor S&T HRD, R&D, and S&T Services across regions to ensure inclusiveness in the STI ecosystem; promote quality research and society-centric R&D to set the trend for researchers and innovators to maximize impact; and keep good communication and relationships with internal and external parties to maintain smooth operation of organizational activities and continue to open opportunities for collaborations that could further widen the reach of R&D support and service.