Achieving the industrial targets of Vision 2020 – the science and technology perspective

Abstract

The Mission Statement of Vision 2020 states that:

“By the year 2020, Malaysia is to be a united nation, with a confident Malaysian society, infused by strong moral and ethical values, living in a society that is democratic, liberal and tolerant, caring, economically just and equitable, progressive and prosperous, and in full possession of an economy that is competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient”.

The 30-year perspective provides a long term focus for our national development effort. It augments the existing long-term planning of the Outline Perspective Plans and the medium-term five-year development plans.

Vision 2020 has also added a new sense of urgency to the tasks that lie ahead, requiring a re-appraisal of the current situation and a prospective assessment of the needs of the future. It demands a new approach to planning, aligning socio-political objectives to growth targets and bringing into play all the major factors of production.

It is without doubt that the demand on S & T in the attainment of the targets of Vision 2020 will be tremendous. This paper will outline this demand and discuss an innovative approach for policy planning and the S & T development strategies that can become a major driving force in economic growth.