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The ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), in collaboration with Australia’s national science organisation, CSIRO, convened to lay the groundwork for the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology, and Innovation (APASTI) for 2026-2035. This initiative aims to guide the region’s future in science, technology, and innovation (STI), leveraging collective insights to address evolving challenges and opportunities. A foresight workshop gathered over 80 participants, including policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from ASEAN Member States (AMS) and Timor-Leste, to chart the course for the region’s STI landscape in the next decade.
This effort was supported by funding from the Australian Government through the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in advancing ASEAN’s technological and scientific goals. The aim was to create a strategic roadmap for APASTI, focusing on long-term STI priorities that will drive the region’s sustainable development and competitiveness on the global stage.
A multicriteria decision-making analysis was utilised to assess and rank ASEAN’s STI priorities. The Director of the Sectoral Development Directorate at the ASEAN Secretariat noted that this method was instrumental in outlining a roadmap that stretches to 2035 and beyond. This strategic alignment emphasises the importance of leveraging STI to address the region’s most pressing challenges, ranging from economic development to environmental sustainability.
The resulting strategies and priorities identified during the workshop are expected to have a profound impact on ASEAN’s ability to enhance its global competitiveness while also fostering sustainable development. A key aspect of the discussions focused on the role of science and technology in addressing the growing challenges of the digital age, including the need for innovative ecosystems and resilience against technological disruptions.
APASTI 2026-2035 will serve as a visionary framework, with the potential to position ASEAN as a leader in global technological advancements. The framework aims to foster economic prosperity, enhance regional competitiveness, and promote inclusivity. This comprehensive approach to STI is seen as essential for driving long-term sustainable growth across the region.
The importance of collaboration was underscored by participants from various sectors. It was highlighted that ASEAN’s success in STI depends on building robust partnerships, not only within the region but also with external partners like Australia. The collaborative approach taken by Australia’s national science agency is a testament to the mutual benefits of working together to address shared challenges in science and technology. Such partnerships will be critical in shaping ASEAN’s STI landscape and ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of technological progress.
CSIRO’s involvement in APASTI, led by its Counsellor and Director of Southeast Asia, emphasised the importance of a unified approach to shaping ASEAN’s STI priorities. The organisation is dedicated to advancing the region’s science and technology agenda, focusing on fostering innovation, enhancing digital transformation, and ensuring resilience amid technological change. CSIRO’s participation reflects its commitment to building a sustainable and competitive STI ecosystem in Southeast Asia.
The workshop provided a platform for discussions on future trends, emerging technologies, and critical actions needed to bolster regional collaboration and innovation. Participants explored current STI capabilities across ASEAN, identifying key areas where the region can strengthen its efforts to foster innovation and collaboration. The ASEAN Foresight Alliance played a pivotal role in providing a comprehensive overview of the region’s STI landscape, facilitating informed discussions on how to best move forward.
