Background

Under its rolling workplan for 2023–2027, the TEC works on National Systems of Innovation (NSI) responding to guidance by Parties and the latest IPCC findings. The NSI is also one of the common areas of work under the joint work programme of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism for 2023–2027. A National system of innovation is a key element to building a strong innovation system that can help countries to enhance innovation and technology development and transfer.

The TEC has produced a summary for policymakers and targeted stakeholders, which was presented at the Climate Dialogues in June. Additionally, there are a compilation of good practices and lessons learned on the setup and implementation of NSIs, which was shared as a set of six publications featuring case studies launched on the Africa Climate Week in September 2023. The summary for policy makers outlines key findings, while the compilation offers more detailed analysis.

Objective

The objectives of the event are to:
1. Present and discuss the summary for policymakers and the compilation of good practices and lessons learned on the setup and implementation of NSIs, at regional level.
2. Raise awareness of the key findings of the compilation of good practices and lessons learned on the setup and implementation of NSIs.
3. Showcase concrete lessons learned and good practices from case studies in Asia-Pacific on the measures taken to develop or strengthen national systems of innovation from diverse innovation system perspectives (national/sector/technology-focused) to assist developing countries that are seeking to strengthen their NSIs in the context of climate action.
4. Inform the TEC of the findings from the events to assist them in their decision-making regarding the Knowledge product on NSIs planned for 2025 in the TEC rolling work plan.
5. Provide a discussion forum for regional stakeholders to identify potential future collaborations among government, private sector, and academia for setting up, implementing and enhancing NSIs in Asia-Pacific region.

9:00 - 9:05 | Welcome and opening 
Mr. Ping Zhong
TEC member

Moderator:
Ms. Julie Amoroso-Garbin
Regional Lead. UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centre for Asia and the Pacific

9:05 - 9:15 | Steps to analyse NSI and establishing NSI
Ms. Bhava Dhungana
Programme Officer, Technology Sub-Division, UNFCCC Secretariat

9:15 - 9:25 | Scene setting: A look at the region. Context of innovation in Asia and the Pacific
Mr. Hwanil Park 
Chief Director of the Global Innovation Strategy Research Division, STEPI

9:25 - 9:50 | Insights and experiences on system innovation
Countries, organizations, and private sector representatives working on innovation in Asia-Pacific.
• National System of Innovation in Thailand.
Mr. Surachai Sathitkunarat. Executive Director, APEC Center for Technology Foresight, and Vice President Office of National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council 
• EthicalX: Climate & Innovation Hub, Sri Lanka.
Ms. Vositha Wijenayake. Executive Director. SLYCAN Trust Global
• Facility For Low Carbon Technology Deployment.
Mr. Sandeep Tandon, National Project Manager, Low Carbon Technology Deployment Project, UNIDO

9:50 - 10:45 |  Interactive discussions - driving innovation at the national level
• Mr. Koji Mitomori, Director Office for Climate Change, Global Environment Department, JICA
• Mr. Sandeep Tandon. National Project Manager, Low Carbon Technology Deployment Project, UNIDO
• Mr. Conrad Rein, Director of Policy Outreach, Innovation Commission, Development Innovation Lab
• Ms. Alice You, Director, Policy Outreach and Strategic Communications, Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport - SLOCAT-
• NDE representative. TBC

Guiding Questions:
• How would you propose that the lessons learned from the compilation of NSI cases can be useful in Asia Pacific?
• Of course, partnerships are key. Could you give an example of an impactful collaboration you've seen among government, private sector, academia or civil society to promote climate technology innovation and NSI? What made it successful?
• What role can the TEC or the Technology Mechanisms/Framework have to promote such partnership toward climate related solutions and NSI?

10:45 – 10:55 |  Audience Q&A

10:55-11:00 | Wrap up & closing
Mr. Stephen Minas
TEC member