R&D Is Most Important Investment For Any Country, Says Expert
By TOLU AIYEGBUSI
MR. Peter Akin, a technology expert, says that Research and Development (R&D) is the most important investment that any country can make in contemporary times.
Akin said during an interview in Abuja on Friday that investing in R&D would lay the down the foundation for the nation’s technology breakthrough.
“It is not just about scientific progress, Nigeria and other emerging economies can reap enormous long-term benefits by ramping up R&D in key sectors like energy, agriculture, health and technology.
“Increased research and development in every sector fuels economic growth, solves local problems, and keeps a country globally competitive,’’ he said.
Akin, the founder of ILX Network, a software development firm, said Nigeria had huge untapped potential in research and development, especially across sectors such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, and digital technology.
He also said that home grown innovation would strengthen economic growth, improve public services and elevate citizens quality of life.
He said Nigeria could actively pursue national advancement through R&D like most developed nations if it placed science and technology at the core of its development agenda.
“With increasing scientific breakthroughs each year, there is growing optimism that these innovations will significantly improve the quality of life and boost the country’s economy.
“Key strategies include launching research-based, nature-inspired programmes, particularly in agriculture, to enhance sustainability and productivity.
“The government can also emphasise better management practices using science and technology tools to monitor sectors more efficiently and respond to societal needs swiftly,” he said.
Akin also called for focus on enhancing the quality of goods and services, adding that it would promote the competitiveness of the country’s goods in the global market.
He urged science and technology professionals to continue to make more discoveries for the good of the country.
“As breakthroughs multiply each year, there is growing optimism that strategic deployment of scientific solutions can address long-standing challenges and unlock new opportunities,’’ he said.
He called on governments to ensure that research interventions were not reactive but proactive, sustainable and adaptable to evolving challenges.
“Science and technology have contributed significantly to the progress and development of nation through the years.
“But as more and more human problems arise, our governments should attend to emerging issues and optimise resource allocation,’’ he stated.
(NAN)
