The Focus Group Discussions (FGD) is a workshop and forum that will allow
participants at the 31APAMS (and beyond) to be engaged in a discussion format
with their fellow scientist, engineers, students, policy makers, industry
colleagues. The goal is to come up with real action items and recommendations
that, once deliberated, may become formal positions and resolutions adapted by
PAASE on such topics. (For a more extensive introduction, download these introductory documents: iNTRO1, iNTRO2).
The FGD Topics are organized as follows (links to summary slides are at the end of each FGD description):
FGD1. Initiatives to increase R&D funding . This includes private-public partnerships in
R&D, PEZA style incentives for R&D operations, potential for
Knowledge-based BPO industries, liaison with legislation. Sub-topics: Describe models in Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam for
incentives; Emphasize importance for export oriented economy; Need for hiring
Ph.D.s; Analogous to Physical infrastructure, we need intellectual
infrastructure to improve our economy; Private investments: large corporations
and start-up companies. DOWNLOAD SUMMARY
FGD2. Government Legislation, and S&T
Development . Selected Millennium Goals, National Science
Complex II, PPP in Science and Engineering, Procurement Law, IP issues and Drug
Development. Sub-topics: Effective
legislation to provide incentives for investments; National funding for
private-public partnerships; Legislate tax incentives or research institutes; Revise
the procurement laws; IP protection in global economy; Balance with environmental
legislation; How to enable an investment climate; Mandates for R&D
curriculum in universities. DOWNLOAD SUMMARY
FGD3. Science and Engineering (specific discipline)
Curriculum Review. Ph.D. training,
Exchange program, preparedness for research and translation / extension / technology
transfer. Sub-topics : Accelerated
M.S. and Ph.D. training and incentives; Sandwich programs. Example of formal
linkage agreements with UH, NYU; Balik Scientist Program; National Science
Complex; Science and engineering Chemical curriculum review, to be more
interdisciplinary; Priorities for faculty development. DOWNLOAD SUMMARY
FGD4. Internal and external review. Mechanisms and methods to get the best proposals funded. The
importance of PAASE in the review process. Importance of external review. Sub-topics : Mechanisms for the review
process: NSF or NIH style; Getting the best proposals funded; Methods of seed
grants in Universities; DOST, ERDT, PCASTRD, PCHED, how to be more efficient; Collaborative
proposals and priorities for junior faculty. DOWNLOAD SUMMARY
FGD5. Environmental and Disaster Mitigation. Natural or man-made disasters, threats and
opportunities to Philippine economy, new technologies for monitoring. Sub-topics : Truth vs. Hype; Unique geo
and climate characteristics of the Philippines; Disaster preparedness; Balance
between economic needs and climate legislation; Education of the population on
recycling and waste management. DOWNLOAD SUMMARY
FGD6. Secondary Education: Curriculum Review in
Science and Engineering from K-12. Education emphasis on science and engineering
curriculum very early; Career and incentives for higher education; Upgrade
facilities and faculty in science education; Direct connection between K-12 and
Universities through summer internships; Private foundation role in education. DOWNLOAD SUMMARY; FGD6 PAGE
FGD7. Energy & Sustainability. Analysis
of Philippine Energy Options; Energy
from Solar Photovoltaics; Energy
from Biofuels; Electric Vehicles; Energy efficiency. DOWNLOAD SUMMARY
FGD8. Millennium Development Goals. Examine the
country’s chances of achieving the targets set for each MDG; assess the financial resources required; determine what
policy measures and other interventions (from government, private sector, NGOs,
and academia) must be put in place to improve the chances of success, or at
least minimize the extent of the shortfalls; thisFGD will inevitably touch on the topical
issue of population policy – of which the Responsible Parenthood and
Reproductive Health bill (RP/RH bill). DOWNLOAD SUMMARY