DAGUPAN CITY—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is intensifying efforts to commercialize research, saying nearer collaboration between scientists and entrepreneurs will assist strengthen the nation’s innovation market.
During a press convention on the 2026 Regional Science and Technology Week on Monday, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. mentioned innovation should transcend laboratories and translate into merchandise, companies, and enterprises that profit the general public.
The assertion adopted in response to the nation’s latest climb to 50th place at the 2025 Global Innovation Index, which officers view as an encouraging signal however one which should be matched by stronger business adoption of domestically developed applied sciences.
“The Global Innovation Index is not purely science. It is merging science and business,” Solidum mentioned.
“The strategy is to bring the two together—science and business working hand in hand. That is why we are pushing for commercialization and entrepreneurship,” he added.
Solidum reiterated that the company is advancing its “Three Horizons” technique, noting that the nation is now within the “harvest stage” of the primary horizon, which focuses on boosting productiveness amongst micro, small, and medium enterprises by know-how adoption and course of enhancements.
He added that human useful resource growth—by scholarships, analysis coaching, and upskilling—stays central to constructing a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
The DOST can be persevering with to fund analysis by its Grants-in-Aid program, which helps tasks in precedence sectors equivalent to synthetic intelligence, agriculture, well being, local weather resilience, and nationwide safety.
Officials mentioned stronger analysis and growth efforts are wanted to elevate the market worth of Filipino improvements, alongside initiatives such because the Innoventa program, which connects inventors with potential traders and business companions.
“Strong R&D is not the opposite of commercialization; it is its foundation,” mentioned DOST Undersecretary for Special Concerns Teodoro Gatchalian.
“Our challenge to scientists is to think about the broader world that will use their discoveries,” he added.—MCG, GMA Integrated News