OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2021
Times of Crisis and Opportunity
![image of OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2021 image of OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2021](https://assets.oecdcode.org/covers/100/75f79015.jpg)
In immediate responses to the COVID-19 crisis, science and innovation are playing essential roles in providing a better scientific understanding of the virus, as well as in the development of vaccines, treatments and diagnostics. Both the public and private sectors have poured billions of dollars into these efforts, accompanied by unprecedented levels of global cooperation. However, the economic crisis that is currently unfolding is expected to severely curtail research and innovation expenditures in firms, while debt-laden governments will face multiple, competing demands for financial support. These developments threaten to cause long-term damage to innovation systems at a time when science and innovation are most needed to deal with the climate emergency, meet the Sustainable Development Goals, and accelerate the digital transformation. Governments will need to take measures to protect their innovation systems as part of their stimulus and recovery packages, but should also use these as opportunities for reforms. In particular, science, technology and innovation (STI) policy should shift towards supporting a more ambitious agenda of system transformation that promotes a managed transition to more sustainable, equitable and resilient futures.
COVID-19: A pivot point for science, technology and innovation?
The COVID-19 pandemic has called for science, technology and innovation (STI) to provide solutions. At the same time it poses major challenges for STI systems, and there remains uncertainty on its near-term and long-term impacts. This chapter outlines the STI policy responses to the COVID-19 shock and the effects of the crisis on STI systems. It offers a stylised framework for governments to systematically monitor the evolution of the crisis and its consequences from an STI policy perspective. It discusses a series of “critical pivot points”, where future developments could go in radically different directions. The chapter concludes by discussing how STI policy can best contribute to shaping those critical pivot points to support a transition towards more equitable, sustainable and resilient futures.
- Click to access:
-
Click to download PDF - 1.64MBPDF