MOSTI eyes 15 per cent R&D commercialisation rate

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation targets a research and development (R&D) commercialisation rate of 15 per cent, up from the current eight to 10 per cent.

Speaking to reporters after opening the International Conference on Functional Materials and Metallurgy 2014 here today, Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said the ministry aims to commercialise 360 local R&D products in the six years to 2020.

The government allocated R&D grants worth RM3.2 billion under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, and for the 10th Malaysia Plan, RM850 million has been approved, he said.

"We don't want to remain a 'technology consumer', we want our nation to be a technology producer," he said.

Abu Bakar said the ministry will launch a television show similar to National Geographic Channel's science shows early next year to highlight its science and innovation activities, with a two-hour trial episode to be shown in November for audience feedback.