Various speakers have highlighted the need to connect innovation of science and technology with daily life. At a consultative seminar on innovations organized by Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on Wednesday, participants claimed that the science and technological advancement would help attain economic prosperity. They said the developing countries are also giving priority to information technology, satellite exploration, agriculture, health and energy management. The participants also stressed the need to expand investment areas in development research by unleashing knowledge, market and skills. Nepal is in 109th positions in global innovation ranking. State-2 Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Bijaya Kumar Yadav said the use of machine in agriculture would substantially contribute to materialize the country’s dream of prosperity. Likewise, State-1 Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperative Ram Bahadur Magar underlined the need to link the use of innovations with agriculture and tourism industry to generate employment opportunities. State-1 Planning Commission vice-chair Subodh Raj Pyakurel said the country should adopt the path of self-reliance with enhanced access to global market by expanding innovative thinking capacity. NAST secretary Dr Mahesh Adhikari informed that the NAST would support the advancement of indigenous technologies of the country to promote innovations. Dr Suresh Kumar Dhungel of NAST had presented a working paper on ‘introduction to framework of national innovation systems and NAST initiatives’ while Department Head of Mechanical Engineering of Pulchowk Campus Prof Dr Nawaraj Bhattarai delivered a paper on ‘introduction to national innovation indicators and NAST initiatives’. Also on the occasion, Prof Dr Pramod Kumar Jha of NAST presented his paper on ‘introduction to innovation and its international initiatives’. Acting Vice-Chancellor of Purbanchal University Dr Bijuraj Thapaliya, Dr Bhesh Prasad Dhamala and Narendra Kumar Chaudhary suggested to adopt innovation in agriculture and industrial sector. NAST is organizing a grand national innovation fair in Kathmandu in April 2020. —
