How People And Business Benefit From Sci-Tech

Dentifying How People And Business Benefit From Science And Technology - 5th R&D Leaders' Forum

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) R&D Leaders' Forum

Christchurch, New Zealand -- Creating value through scientific advancement is a central issue to be addressed at the 5th APEC R&D Leaders' Forum in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 10-11.

The forum of business leaders, government officers and research scientists will also meet with Ministers from APEC Member Economies who are attending the Science Ministers' Meeting, which is being run at the same time.

Chair of the APEC R&D Leaders Forum, Dr. Chris Mallett, said working under the theme of 'capturing value from science' the forum brings together a wide range of experts, executives and government officials with common interests.

"The principle behind the APEC R&D Leaders Forum is how to enhance the capacity of science, technology and innovation to deliver sustainable growth across the APEC Region," Dr. Mallett said.

"This year the forum will also provide an opportunity for R&D Leaders to meet with APEC Science Ministers and provide direct input on a range of issues at a political level.

"What are the tangible benefits that people can expect from co-ordinated science and technology development? Are the benefits economic, environmental or social and what are the trade-offs between them?"

The forum will feature several presentations by senior executives, scientists and government representatives and a series of workshops on 'Managing Tensions in a Knowledge Society,' 'Creating Wealth from Science' and 'Leadership in Technology Convergence.'

The R&D Leaders' Forum was established in 1998 in response to the rapid technological advances occurring in APEC Member Economies. Speakers at the R&D Leaders' Forum are experts in their fields from a range of economies and include:

- Professor Alan MacDiarmid, Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2000) - Yoshio Matsumi, Executive Counsellor and General Manager, Innovative Technology Business Development Office, Itochu Corporation - Dr Christian Samper, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - Dr Lee Ki-Won, Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics Company - Professor Peter Hunter, Director, Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland - Dr Angus Livingstone, Managing Director of the University-Industry Liaison Office of the University of British Columbia

The R&D Leaders Forum will be run concurrently with the 4th APEC Ministers' Meeting on Regional Science and Technology Cooperation that runs from March 10-12.

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