Scientific researchGrowing Asia Pacific research strengths leaving U.S.-based research behind
The publications output of Chinese scientists is set to surpass that of U.S.-based scientists by 2013; in the meantime, major investments in discovery and innovation are building capacity in Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan
The most dramatic new developments in science are taking place among nations in the Asia-Pacific and the phenomenon is changing the dynamic of science around the globe, according to three science and academic leaders from the United States, Canada, and Singapore.
In an article published in the current issue of the journal Science, University of British Columbia president Stephen J. Toope, National University of Singapore president Chorh Chuan Tan, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) board chair Nina V. Fedoroff cite a Royal Society report that shows the publications output of Chinese scientists is set to surpass that of U.S.-based scientists by 2013.
Meanwhile, major investments in discovery and innovation are building capacity in Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. “A concerted and immediate effort is required to enhance Asia-Pacific science collaboration,” the authors say.
A University of British Columbia release reports that the authors propose several strategies, including promoting researcher-to-researcher linkages, sharing curricula, creating incentives for university researchers to engage in productive international collaborations, building “innovation ecosystems,” and enabling greater talent mobility among graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and established researchers.
“More flexible visa arrangements, for example, similar to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation business travel card which allows for pre-cleared multiple entry for frequent business travelers within the APEC region, would go a long way to facilitating mobility among researchers in the region,” says Toope.
An “innovation ecosystem” consisting of researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and industry partners, who promote a free flow of people, ideas and experiences across institutions and sectors, will also drive sustainable innovation, the authors say.
“One of the least efficient aspects of global university culture is the constant reinvention of curriculum, and international collaboration can help address this issue, as well as bringing together complimentary expertise to achieve higher-impact science research,” Toope adds. “Academic leaders must consider investing collectively in curricula that could be shared regionally and reducing the duplication of research equipment and expertise in different localities.”
— Read more in Stephen J. Toope et al., “Improving Asia-Pacific Science Collaboration,” Science 336, no. 60776 (6 April 2012): 38-39 (DOI: 10.1126/science.1208378)
