Page 24 - AHATA

A16 LOCAL
Thursday 18 July 2019

Science, Technology and Innovation in Aruba

Continued from Page 14 who could benefit from R&D and would then
get an incentive for doing so. In the knowledge
Research and development (R&D) can foster economy or even in the creative industry, inno-
sustainable development by building greener, vating in processes, such as e-government, will
more inclusive societies. To be effective, how- for sure make the easy of doing business better
ever, infrastructure development, technology or even fight corruption, but it will not automati-
transfer and both public and private R&D need cally make Aruba successful in developing a
to be nurtured and regulated via effective poli- knowledge economy.
cies”. So, let’s recap for a moment, Aruba will
soon have a SISSTEM faculty, thus we are work- Now maybe you are asking yourself what R&D
ing on the human capital aspect, making sure looks like. Well, ECLAC (2016) explains that “re-
we have skilled workers in STEM in the future. search and development includes all creative of research performed frequently on the island,
Also, we have work to do on making Aruba more work undertaken systematically to increase thankfully due to the higher academic institu-
attractive to foreign investors, even though we the stock of knowledge, including knowledge tions on the island. But, I wonder how many of
do have favorable characteristics as an island. of mankind, culture and society, and its use to these research reports are used in practice?
Aruba is limited in the STEM private sector, thus devise new applications. This definition involves How many students who graduate, can count
there are limited companies that focus on STEM three activities: basic research, applied re- on their research findings and recommenda-
developments. Aruba has a national economic search and experimental development, which tions to be utilized? Does the private sector
policy, a national innovation framework, but are defined as follows: consider the fact that they can utilize research
has nothing on science and technology, which (i) Basic research is systematic original, theoreti- results for their benefit? Do they know how to
are important components before addressing cal or experimental work aimed at increasing locate research papers on the island? Now
innovation as a whole. the knowledge of a phenomenon or fact with- with the SISSTEM faculty, we can venture more
out considering any practical or direct applica- into applied research and experimental devel-
But, now I ask myself, how will we innovate, not tion. opment, thus diversifying our R&D scope. But,
only for the “fun of it”, but innovate to the point (ii) Applied research also consists of original sys- unless as a country we understand the impor-
we can see an economic impact, if we are not tematic work but, unlike the previous category, tance of R&D both in the public and private
investing in R&D both in the public and private seeks to resolve a specific need or practical sector, we will have many challenges innovat-
sectors? There are no traces of public data on problem. ing. Overall, a complete and rigorous STI policy
how much Aruba is spending on R&D, because (iii)Experimental development is aimed at new and cohesive national infrastructure between
probably it is very limited or even unknown. or improved production of materials, products, public, private, academic, non-government
There are numerous ways how the government devices, processes or systems” (p. 25). entities is something Aruba should consider go-
could stimulate R&D, for example by creating a ing forward, because we can’t afford staying
tax regulation for entrepreneurs and businesses Basic research might be the most frequent type behind in this globalized world any longer. q

Biography – Currently, Thaïs Franken is a 23-year-old Aruban student at the University of Maastricht (UM). She
is studying a Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development in collaboration with the Unites
Nations University (UNU). Back home, on the beautiful island of Aruba she completed her Bachelor of Arts in
Organization, Governance & Management (OGM) at the University of Aruba (UA). She successfully gradu-
ated and defended her thesis titled “Placing Culture and Creativity at the Heart of the Aruban Sustainable
Development” on July 6th 2018. Thaïs is very passionate about topics such as sustainability, innovation, cul-
ture and creativity. Next to her academic interests, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing and cooking.

Tickle your Taste Buds with Tierra del Sol

not talking about the stan- Portobello Mushroom, surrender a Duo of Quesillo
dard 3-course menu, but Smoked Beef Tataki or & Brownie, Melon Martini
about a journey through Chicken Curry Waldorf or Cheesecake are one of
taste-land. The Restaurant Salad are only some of the the choices. This all for a
at Tierra del Sol invites you welcoming dishes. For the special price and including
to taste as many tapa-sized main courses you can de- a glass of sangria. Indulge
items as you wish from their cide for Skirt Steak, Duck into this culinary discov-
extensive fine dining menu. Venison Duo or Pumpkin ery at the most romantic
Fresh Oysters, Tuna Crab Risotto among others and scenery of our One Happy
Duo, Bruchetta Caprese, to top it off with a sweet Island.q

NOORD — There is a place fering: From breakfast to
on the Northern part of the dinner excellent cuisine,
island that makes up for friendly service, and a gor-
your perfect dream night. geous setting, but now even
The location: the island’s more special with the NEW
rugged north coast and ‘All You Can Taste’ concept
blue ocean forming your – on from Tuesdays to Sat-
panoramic from Tierra del urdays from 6PM – 10PM.
Sol’s restaurant, either from
the poolside outdoor ter- Tune in for an experience
race or from the elegant that will give dining an-
indoor restaurant. The of- other perspective. We are