The context

The OAS 2006-2009 Strategic Plan recognizes that science, technology and innovation (STI) have a fundamental strategic role to play in facilitating integral development in member countries. The Plan supports the generation of new S&T knowledge, experience sharing, the development and strengthening of STI capabilities in member states.

The participants

The Caribbean Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network embraces a range of key stakeholders throughout the Caribbean region active in the fields, of science, technology and innovation and the practical implementation of all three to develop progressive entrepreneurial business that advance the region economically and socially.

The aims

The RIE Network aims to become a virtual community of interest that encourages the sharing of experiences, the transfer of ‘know how’ and the provision of role models for a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. There is a real need to bridge the gap between research and development persons and institutions, policy makers and entrepreneurial business persons in the private sector as communications between all three groups have been ‘disconnected’ for many years.

Who can be part of it

The Network is open to anyone who has an interest in STI and entrepreneurship in a Caribbean context. However, the focus will be on accentuating the positive and helping encourage the enthusiasm and passion needed to make things happen. It will also have a strong foresight focus as we cannot change the past but we can help shape the future.

The intended outcomes

By building up this Network and encouraging a mutual exchange of ideas and knowledge transfer between persons who have a passion for the application of STI in the Caribbean region, it is hoped we will be able to contribute towards encouraging greater innovation and entrepreneurship with the ultimate objective being improvements in the economic and social status of the citizens of the Caribbean countries.