After graduating in 1986, my first professional role was at the then Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (RONAST), where I served as Chief of the Central Research Laboratory. At that time, most advanced academic research involving Nepali scholars was conducted overseas, while domestic research efforts were largely concentrated on natural products, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Over the past four decades, Nepal has made gradual yet significant progress in higher education and scientific development, with the establishment of 12 national universities, around 20 public research institutions, and dozens of private research organisations. New scientific disciplines and research areas have also emerged. However, despite various policy initiatives, national investment in science and technology (S&T) has remained low, and policy implementation has often been weak and inconsistent.
Nepal once had a dedicated Ministry of Science and Technology, which was later merged into the Ministry of Education. The recent decision by the Balendra Shah-led government to re-establish a separate Ministry of Science, Technology, Research and Innovation is therefore both timely and visionary. It reflects a growing recognition that scientific advancement and technological innovation are essential drivers of national development, economic transformation, and global competitiveness.
In the 21st-century knowledge economy, science and technology are central to prosperity and serve as powerful tools for addressing global challenges. Countries seeking to build self-reliant and competitive economies invest heavily in research and development (R&D). Nations such as Japan (3.45% of GDP), Germany (3.15%), the United States (3.5%), South Korea (5.13%), China (2.8%), and India (1.0%) have made substantial commitments to R&D. These investments directly strengthen technological capability, industrial competitiveness, innovation capacity, and export growth.
Such investments have also enabled long-term strategic collaboration models, including China’s industry–research strategic alliances, Canada’s Strategic Network Grants, the Netherlands’ Top Sectors Programme, Germany’s Innovation Alliances, Israel’s MAGNET Consortium, and France’s Strategic Industrial Innovation Programme. Science diplomacy has played a critical role in building these collaborative ecosystems.
Over the past seven decades, Nepal has undergone repeated political transitions and governance experiments, during which the science and technology sector has suffered considerably. Despite Nepal’s strategic location between two global scientific and technological powers—China and India—the country has not adequately benefited from regional research and innovation partnerships.
To date, only around 30–40% of colleges offer science or technical programmes, while merely 0.5% of GDP is allocated to science and technology. Limited political commitment, inadequate funding, weak scientific vision, and the absence of strong institutional leadership have prevented Nepal from fully harnessing science and technology for national prosperity.
VIDEO: Nepal should invest one percent of its GDP in research,...
In recent years, particularly since 2015, discussions surrounding Digital Nepal, startup ecosystems, e-governance, innovation economies, research commercialisation, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy have expanded significantly. This reflects Nepal’s growing aspiration to participate meaningfully in the global innovation landscape.
Reasons for Hope
The establishment of a separate Ministry of Science, Technology, Research and Innovation signals a major policy shift and renewed national commitment. It positions science, technology, research, and innovation (STRI) as strategic instruments for economic transformation and national modernisation.
Once fully developed, this policy direction should help transition Nepal from a remittance-dependent economy to a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy. Innovation is increasingly linked to digital entrepreneurship, IT exports, startup ecosystems, industrial modernisation, automation, and digital governance. This shift is particularly important as Nepal continues to face serious challenges such as youth unemployment, brain drain, low industrial productivity, and weak research commercialisation.
Emerging fields such as space science, biotechnology, forensic science, clean and green industries, climate science, scientific instrumentation, and artificial intelligence deserve special attention. Equally important is the promotion of indigenous technologies and local innovation. Establishing a strong national innovation ecosystem involving universities, industries, startups, research centres, government agencies, and young innovators should become a national priority.
The current government’s broader reform agenda also strongly emphasises digitisation and technology-based governance. Proposed reforms focus on digital-first public services, transparency, efficiency, reduced bureaucracy, improved service delivery, and stronger accountability. Technology is therefore viewed not only as an economic driver but also as a means of retaining educated youth within Nepal rather than losing talent overseas.
Public Response
Public reaction to the creation of the new ministry has generally been positive, particularly among young people, researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology advocates. Many view it as a long-overdue reform capable of transforming Nepal’s development trajectory.
The initiative signals a shift towards a knowledge-based economy, innovation-driven development, digital governance, research-informed policymaking, and youth-centred economic transformation. Special recognition should also be given to former minister and founder of the National Innovation Centre, Mahabir Pun, whose tireless advocacy and long-standing campaign for science and technology development in Nepal helped build momentum for this policy direction.
However, long-term success will depend on sustained political commitment, adequate budget allocation, stronger university–industry collaboration, increased research funding, institutional reforms, and effective implementation mechanisms. If implemented properly, this policy direction could help Nepal build a more competitive, self-reliant, and innovation-oriented future.
Role of the Nepali Diaspora and NRNA
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has come a long way since establishing its first Science, Knowledge and Innovation (SKI) Taskforce in 2009, followed by the creation of its Science, Knowledge and Innovation Department. NRNA initiatives—including the Open University concept, Nepal Science Foundation, and various global knowledge conventions—have played an important role in connecting Nepali professionals, scientists, and innovators around the world.
However, due to the absence of clear policy frameworks and formal collaboration mechanisms between NRNA and the Government of Nepal, the organisation has struggled to translate global Nepali expertise into meaningful socioeconomic impact within Nepal.
NRNA is currently preparing a status paper for submission to the government, and there is growing hope that genuine partnerships between the state and diaspora experts will finally emerge.
The Way Forward
Nepal must now place science and technology at the centre of its national development agenda. The country should commit at least 1% of GDP to research and development and actively pursue long-term strategic partnerships with neighbouring countries and global collaborators.
Nepal now has an opportunity to move towards greater political stability and policy continuity. The country can no longer afford further delays. Science, technology, research, and innovation must become national priorities if Nepal genuinely wishes to build a prosperous, competitive, and self-reliant future.
