Science, technology and innovation (STI) are the raw materials for achieving the SDGs, reducing poverty, and succeeding social inclusiveness. Tapping into the benefits from STI is not a trivial task, though. Countries require far more than just technical or scientific knowledge. They require strategic, managerial and policy-making skills that will allow them to elaborate and implement specific STI strategies for development, inclusive public policies and effective means of governing.

Building countries’ capacity through programmes in STI management and governance is a main focus of UNESCO’s work in the field of STI policy. The Organization’s activities in capacity building are strategically aimed at two target groups:

1. Policy-makers, STI managers, and parliamentarians involved in the development of policies and their implementation;
2. Academic institutions that (will) offer educational and research programmes and provide trainings on STI policy.