At the 4th Science and Technology Ministers Meeting held in 2004, priorities were identified which include: sustainable development; human resource capacity building; international S&T networks; connecting research and innovation; strengthening technological cooperation; encouraging best practice in strategic planning; and enhancing policy dialogue and review.
In the ISTWG 2007 Work Plan, action programs were designed to respond to the priorities set by the 4th ministers meeting and to achieve the goals of the ISTWG. The goals are:
enhanced economic growth, trade and investment opportunities in harmony with sustainable development, through policies, innovative R&D and technologies, and knowledge sharing;
better quality of life and a cleaner environment;
a safe and secure society, emphasizing the importance of measures for infectious diseases and natural disasters;
human resource capacity building;
enhanced international science and technology (S&T) networks;
an improved level of connection between research and innovation, involving and encouraging the potential of SMEs; and
strengthened technological cooperation and achievement of best practices in strategic planning for IST projects and programs.
