The recent United Nations ESCAP webinar aligning with the South-South and Triangular Collaboration Programme on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam (CLTV) presented a valuable opportunity for APRU Chief Strategy Officer Christina Schönleber to elaborate on the strategies and challenges APRU has encountered in building effective networks among academics, researchers, and policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region. Schönleber highlighted several fruitful APRU approaches, such as the leveraging of neutral platforms for multi-stakeholder engagement, the showcasing of impact, and the facilitation of cross-sectoral synergies. The APRU project, “AI For Social Good“ featuring a multi-stakeholder partnership between Google.org, UNESCAP and APRU exemplified the type of impact that can be achieved.
The United Nations ESCAP CLTV STI webinar was designed to underline the importance of fostering networks to drive innovation in the CLTV region. These networks are vital connectors, creating dynamic ecosystems that promote startup growth and cultivate STI human capital development.
“The approach of utilizing networks like APRU as neutral grounds to convene diverse stakeholders facilitates collaboration on global challenges with a regional focus, such as climate change and economic development, by providing a trusted space for dialogue and partnership,” Schönleber explained.
“Building effective networks, especially among academics, requires patience and sustained effort; this long-term investment in relationship-building is essential for creating cohesive groups that can tackle complex issues collectively.”
Four distinguished panelists joined Schönleber. Seingheng Hul, Under-Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, illustrated Cambodia’s approach of fostering a collaborative environment necessary for the successful implementation of STI policies. Xaybandith Rasphone, Vice President, Laos National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared insights into the lack of established connections between the business sector and academia and called for a more integrated approach to innovation. Nirada Werasopon, Assistant to the President, Thailand’s Office of National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), explained NXPO’s involvement in Thailand’s innovation ecosystem. Roisin Greene, Head of Strategy, Growth and Partnerships, Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), World Economic Forum, highlighted GPAP’s emphasis on having carefully selected teams on the ground.