Science, technology and innovation (STI) policy is a critical area of focus for the OECD’s overall mission - ‘promoting better policies for better lives’. The GSF is the OECD body that focuses on science policy. It brings countries together to address common interests in four key priority areas: •
Strengthening the science enterprise - assist countries in developing science policies to strengthen their research systems in line with national priorities, enabling them to compete and collaborate internationally.
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International cooperation in science - promote effective international collaboration and cooperation in science.
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Science to address global societal challenges - assist countries in developing effective policies to promote research that provides solutions to global societal challenges.
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Science in society and science for policy - promote constructive public engagement and trust in science and enable the best use of scientific knowledge in decisionmaking and policy development.
“Political contexts and political systems differ and affect the way research functions, but global societal challenges and the global impact of research in many areas make it mandatory to work on cooperative mechanisms, frameworks, and standards,” said Peter Tindemans, Chair of the MegaScience Forum from 1992-1999.