Formulating Timor-Leste’s First National STI Policy

Timor-Leste, having achieved independence in 2002, faces unique developmental challenges due to its reliance on oil and gas revenues. Recognizing the need for economic diversification and sustainable growth, the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia (INCT), has embarked on a transformative journey to establish a robust national STI policy. This follow-up service builds upon the outcomes of the initial PSF initiative (2021–2022), which focused on developing a digital repository and an STI programme.

The new initiative, supported by the OACPS Secretariat and the European Union, will deliver actionable recommendations to position science, technology, and innovation (STI) at the core of national development. Guided by an international panel of experts, this service will:

1. Define a strategic framework that promotes innovation in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy.
2. Strengthen institutional capacity by engaging local and international stakeholders, fostering collaboration across academia, government, private sector, and civil society.
3. Promote inclusivity by incorporating indigenous knowledge systems and addressing gender gaps in STEM.
4. Develop operational guidelines for the policy’s implementation, ensuring measurable impacts aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The service will culminate in the release of a Policy Recommendation Report (PRR), a detailed roadmap featuring recommendations, budget considerations, and an action plan. Additionally, capacity reinforcement workshops and a dissemination event will ensure the policy is practical, participatory, and actionable.

Through this initiative, Timor-Leste aims to harness the potential of STI to drive economic diversification, safeguard biodiversity, and create opportunities for future generations.