A FORUM called on scientists to collaborate among themselves and relevant government agencies as well as experts in the private sector and academia before attempting to peddle their research innovations for commercialisation.
The Women in Science Forum 2024, themed “From Lab to Market,” was hosted by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman at its Sungai Long Campus recently and was supported by the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI).
It was officiated by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI, Technology Development), Datuk Ts Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan. In his remarks, he introduced the Malaysian startup ecosystem roadmap – emphasising four key strategies that can propel research outcomes from the Petri dish for product development and commercialisation.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
Mohd Nor pointed out that four dynamics are key to pushing promising research outcomes as saleable consumer products that would be beneficial to consumers. He said: “Collaboration, co-creation, co-location, and co-opetition between government, industry, academia, the private sector, and civil society must be first initiated to achieve a successful transition of laboratory outcomes as worthy consumables.”
He also highlighted the significance of celebrating initiatives supporting women in science and innovation, noting that: “Women scientists have a pivotal role in driving entrepreneurship and economic participation. There will be challenges faced by women scientists, but such challenges must be embraced as opportunities for growth and well-being,” he said, adding: “Collective action can lead to a future of positive change for them.”
The CEO of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Hazami Habib, who was also present, lent a compelling narrative on the evolving nature of “scientific inquiry.” She said: “In a world characterised by complexity, chaos, and contradictions, researchers are tasked with navigating uncharted waters to drive progress and innovation. Central to the theme is the imperative of translating research endeavours into tangible outcomes that propel economic growth and societal advancement.”
Hazami also touched on The 10-10 MySTIE Framework, a strategic roadmap designed to harness the collective expertise and resources of stakeholders. This comprehensive approach emphasises collaboration, prioritisation, and future-proofing to maximize the impact of research initiatives.
According to her: “The 10-10 MySTIE Framework serves as a blueprint for bridging the gap from lab to market, facilitating the seamless transition of innovative ideas into commercial ventures. By focusing on strategic areas such as technology drivers, socioeconomic priorities, and ecosystem enablers, researchers can align their efforts with the needs of industry and society.”
Guest speakers from MOSTI, MRANTI, the Organisation for Women in Science Malaysia, and other institutions enriched the discussions with their insights and expertise, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing scientific innovation and bridging the gap from lab to market.
The forum underscored the importance of fostering an ecosystem of open innovation – drawing inspiration from historic feats of collaboration, such as the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines.
The participants also championed the ethos of knowledge sharing and collective progress. By breaking down silos and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, Malaysia can harness its vast research talent pool to address pressing societal challenges and drive transformative change.
In a snapshot glimpse, the Women in Science Forum 2024 served as a beacon of inspiration and collaboration in an era defined by uncertainty and rapid change. As researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders converge to shape the future of science and innovation, the lessons of the past must embrace the spirit of discovery and dissemination as in the words of Archimedes: “The true measure of a discovery lies not only in its revelation but in its resonance with the world.”
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