The U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched three new partnerships to strengthen the science, technology and innovation (STI) sector in the Philippines.

USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Gregory Beck and USAID/Philippines Mission Director Gloria D. Steele joined Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Patricia Licuanan, NEDA Director-General Dr. Arsenio Balisacan, National Competitiveness Council Chair Guillermo Luz, as well as university presidents and leaders of industry in launching the projects that will also transform higher education as a key driver of broad-based, inclusive growth. USAID's STI assistance projects will reinforce the U.S.-Philippines Science & Technology Agreement, which is broadening and expanding relations between the scientific and technology communities in both countries.

Deputy Assistant Administrator Beck said “USAID’s new partnerships, valued at over Php1.5 billion, will work with Philippine higher education institutions to respond to industry demand for STI services and people to achieve a higher level of productivity, international competitiveness, and social responsiveness.”

The flagship program, the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program, will strengthen applied research activity in Philippine universities and industry. Implemented in collaboration with U.S. universities, STRIDE will provide scholarships, research grants, faculty exchange opportunities, faculty “externships” in private companies, and publication grants.

The Higher Education and Productivity project, implemented in partnership with the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), will close the skills mismatch in the country through strengthened linkages between industry, academia and government. The National Industry-Academe Council, a high-level council comprised of CEO’s and university presidents to work on these linkages, has already been established.

The Innovation and Development through Entrepreneurship Acceleration (IDEA) Project, implemented in partnership with the Philippine S&T Development Foundation, will work to strengthen the entrepreneurial culture and skills in science and engineering education in the country. IDEA’s activities include entrepreneurship workshops, U.S. visiting professors, and annual symposia to strengthen the science and engineering curriculum. IDEA will also leverage Filipino diaspora talent in the U.S. to provide mentoring to promising Filipino talent in science and technology.

Director Steele said, “These activities are integral to achieving the goals of the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG) which is helping the Philippines achieve higher and more inclusive growth. PFG will enhance the country’s human capacity for economic growth by strengthening links between local higher education institutions, the private sector, and the government to create the necessary environment where innovation will flourish.”