The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) Reviews prepared by UNCTAD aim to contribute to the development of national capacities in this field in order that national science, technology and innovation plans and programmes make an effective contribution to development strategies and improve the competitiveness of the productive sectors in a global economy in which knowledge is an increasingly important factor. This review is intended to be a tool for learning and reflection. It is an analytical instrument, not a rating mechanism, which examines a set of proposals from an external and neutral perspective.
This publication has three fundamental goals. Its first goal is to offer Rwanda an assessment of the framework conditions and interactions required for a functional national innovation system. The second goal is to draw attention to the main policy challenges for strengthening the national innovation system based on review four sectors: energy, information and communication technologies (ICTs), agriculture and industry. The third goal is to provide recommendations for strengthening policies and propose measures that may improve national technological capacities and encourage innovation.
The review of the science, technology and innovation policies of Rwanda was conducted in response to a request by the Rwanda Ministry of Trade, Industry and East African Community Affairs and with the support of the National Commission of Science and Technology (NCST). The work on the STIP Review of Rwanda was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development with the German Corporation for International Cooperation acting in an advisory role.
During visits to Rwanda, the UNCTAD team held nearly 50 interviews and meetings with representatives of government agencies, research institutes, universities, chambers of commerce and businesses. An initial draft of this document was presented and discussed at a national workshop held in Kigali on 1 December 2016, with the participation of more than 60 experts and national science, technology and innovation stakeholders. The comments and suggestions made there have been taken into account in the preparation of this review.
