The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) is moving forward with the introduction of a Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Evaluation Criteria framework, a strategic tool aimed at improving the performance of STI institutions across Cambodia and accelerating the nation’s progress toward a knowledge-based economy.
The new framework, developed with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), was introduced during a national workshop held on June 24. The event brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, universities, and the private sector to promote awareness and encourage adoption of the standardised STI evaluation framework.
Driving Innovation Through Structured Evaluation
According to Try Sophal, Director-General of the General Department of STI at the ministry, the STI Evaluation Criteria will serve as a guideline for public and private institutions to measure their scientific and technological capabilities. “This framework is designed to promote decision-making, ensure stable implementation, and enhance cooperation among key stakeholders,” he said.
The criteria aim to help institutions evaluate their science, technology, and innovation initiatives, identify gaps, and strengthen internal systems to become high-performance STI organizations.
Supporting Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy
Hul Seingheng, Undersecretary of State at MISTI, presided over the workshop and emphasized that the framework was developed in response to the seventh-mandate government’s Pentagonal Strategy, which prioritizes technology and innovation as critical drivers of economic development.
“An effective STI evaluation framework is essential for guiding national development planning,” he stated. “It provides clear, evidence-based insights that leaders at all levels can use to make informed decisions. It will also help improve Cambodia’s ranking on the Global Innovation Index and boost national prestige.”
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Building a Knowledge-Based Economy
The ministry explained that the new STI evaluation framework will be used to:
- Measure and assess the impact of STI-related projects, policies, and programs.
- Identify institutional strengths and weaknesses to guide capacity-building.
- Improve accountability and transparency in the use of resources.
- Support data-driven decision-making at all levels.
By helping institutions align with national priorities and global best practices, the framework is expected to play a critical role in Cambodia’s journey toward Vision 2050, which envisions the country becoming a competitive, innovation-driven economy.
A Key Tool for National Transformation
With growing investment in science, technology, and innovation in Cambodia, this framework provides a much-needed structure for systematic evaluation and continuous improvement. It is expected to be adopted across ministries, universities, research institutions, and private enterprises.
The ministry reiterated that the success of the framework will rely on collaboration among all stakeholders. As Cambodia aims to enhance its global innovation standing and achieve its long-term development goals, the STI Evaluation Criteria will serve as a foundation for sustainable, inclusive, and technology-led growth.
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