Concentrate on science, technology

Omar Newell, Contributor

The Government of Jamaica should consider creating specialised high schools focusing on science and technology, and create policies and programmes to support brain circulation as part of a sustainable programme for promoting and supporting innovation.

Both Israel and the former Soviet Union evoke strong emotions among the politically aware, but Jamaica can benefit from the experience of these two nations if we look beyond the politics, analyse what worked for these societies, and explore ways in which we can implement these ideas for the benefit of Jamaica and Jamaicans.

It is no secret that the USSR produced many great scientists over the last century. The Soviet political Establishment took deliberate steps to ensure that science and technology was intimately linked to the future of the Union.

One of the programmes that contributed to the huge number of successful scientists in the USSR was their creation of specialised high schools concentrating on science and technology. These high schools served as feeders to Soviet universities that were largely sponsored by government ministries. (Specialised high schools are not a uniquely Russian creature; indeed, the United States, in particular New York City, has a network of specialised high schools, most of which are attached to universities.)

The Ministry of Education (MOE) should take immediate steps to establish a school for science and technology, catering to students in grades nine through 13. This school should be staffed with the best available science teachers in Jamaica, and incentives should be provided for Jamaican scientists to provide mentorship to students at this institution.

The MOE should then work with a Ministry of Science and Technology to ensure that this institution is fully equipped with the best age-specific learning apparatus available for students interested in pursuing the hard sciences. Within the next five years, the ministry should seek to establish one such school in each county.

Funding for this project would be made available by both ministries, or through the lobbying efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (overseas partners).

Some will argue that the Government should equip every high school with the best science and technology learning apparatus available. While this is desirable, and something that we may be able to contemplate after significantly expanding our economy, the present realities make this option untenable.

The alternative policy is to provide basic equipment to every school so that all students get 'a feel' of the sciences. Those who remain interested and continue to excel in science and technology up to and beyond grade nine may be transferred to a specialised high school.

brain circulation specialised high schools are just one of the methods for training the individuals who will assist us to achieve our goal of being an innovation-driven economy.

Another policy the Government can immediately pursue is the support of 'brain circulation'. Brain circulation, the less-talked-about 'other side' of the brain-drain problem, speaks to the fact that educated people who migrate in search of work benefit from unique experiences and can meaningfully contribute to their home countries if they chose to return.

Israel deliberately pursued a policy supporting hassle-free integration for individuals who are able to show that they are of the Jewish faith. As a result of this policy, their start-up economy benefited from highly trained scientists who fled the USSR. These scientists continue to contribute to the many tech businesses emanating from Tel-Aviv annually.

In my travels, I have talked to Jamaican scientists who would happily return home if there were adequate opportunities and funding for them to pursue their research interests.

The Government of Jamaica will have to brainstorm ways for incentivising the return of these Jamaicans to contribute to the Jamaican research community. Perhaps the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could oversee the creation of a National Science Foundation, in collaboration with a Diaspora Foundation. This organisation would raise funds in support of scientists who want to return home to pursue research.

There is no quick solution for creating an innovation-based economy in Jamaica. Hopefully, this column will serve the dual purposes of keeping the topic on the national agenda, and stimulating the minds of those who will play a critical role in crafting a national innovation strategy.

Omar Newell is an adjunct professor of business law awaiting admission to the New York State Bar, and a member of the policy committee of the PNP Patriots. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and omar.newell@gmail.com.