Status : Verified
| Personal Name | Almasan, Julie Ann A. |
|---|---|
| Resource Title | Assessing the impact of the Balik Scientist Program in strengthening R&D capabilities within the Philippines’ industry, energy, and emerging technology sectors |
| Date Issued | 03 April 2025 |
| Abstract | The Balik Scientist Program (BSP), a brain gain initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, aims to reverse brain drain by encouraging Filipino science, technology, and innovation (STI) experts abroad to return and contribute to national development. This study assesses the impact of the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) in strengthening the local R&D capabilities within the country’s industry, energy, and emerging technology (IEET) sectors, which are under the purview of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD). It focuses on analyzing the program’s innovation, knowledge transfer, and technology transfer contributions. Using a mixed-method research design, the study collected data from Balik Scientists and host institution representatives and analyzed annual reports, policies, and international benchmarking data. The findings reveal that while the program has successfully facilitated knowledge transfer through training, mentorship, and research collaborations, the predominance of short-term engagements limits its ability to drive technology transfer and commercialization, which requires more time and sustained collaboration. Key challenges include low retention rates of Balik Scientists due to better compensation abroad, limited R&D funding and facilities, and bureaucratic hurdles. Comparative analysis with brain gain initiatives in South Korea, India, China, and Malaysia highlights gaps in the BSP’s design and implementation, particularly the absence of a centralized database for tracking Filipino researchers, scientists, and engineers (RSEs) abroad and the need for stronger incentives to attract and retain experts. Recommendations include enhancing compensation and benefits, rebalancing engagement durations toward medium- and long-term stints, giving importance to technology transfer, and fostering academe-government-industry collaborations. Establishing a centralized database fo |
| Degree Course | Master of Technology Management |
| Language | English |
| Keyword | National Innovation System; Balik Scientist Program; Brain gain; DOST PCIEERD; R&D |
| Material Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
Preliminary Pages
327.58 Kb
Category : P - Author wishes to publish the work personally.
Access Permission : Limited Access