The G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) Summit recently took place in Mumbai, India, bringing together research ministers from G20 member countries, invited guest nations, and international organizations. This high-profile event, focused on the theme of "Research and Innovation for Equitable Society," aimed to foster collaboration and co-creation in addressing global challenges, particularly in the areas of sustainable energy, circular bioeconomy, eco-innovations for energy transition, and sustainable blue economy. Each one of these areas, which are all of critical importance for combatting climate change, were discussed in a RIIG meeting. Important aspects mentioned in each meeting were recorded and collected to form a separate document. This Research Ministers’ Outcome Document was assessed during the Research Ministers’ meeting and was collectively, formally approved.
TÜBİTAK, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye, played a significant role in the G20 RIIG Summit. Prof. Hasan Mandal, the President of TÜBİTAK, represented Türkiye at the summit and actively contributed to the discussions on research and innovation collaboration for a sustainable future. In his opening speech at the Research Ministers Meeting, Prof. Mandal expressed his pleasure in attending the summit and highlighted Türkiye's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Prof. Mandal stated, "During India's Presidency, we appreciate the G20 RIIG's focus on priority topics such as materials for sustainable energy, circular bioeconomy, eco-innovations for energy transition, and sustainable blue economy. These topics have also been a significant concern in the discussions at the Türkiye Climate Council held earlier this year." He further emphasized the importance of key phrases such as "responsible research and innovation," "open science," and "science diplomacy" in achieving collaborative and impactful outcomes.
Promoting Co-Creation and International Collaboration
The G20 RIIG Summit provided a platform for participating countries and organizations to explore models and mechanisms for research and innovation collaboration. By strengthening existing partnerships and intensifying cooperation, the summit aimed to contribute to global economic growth and promote environmentally friendly development.
Prof. Mandal highlighted the need for interdisciplinary research and innovation collaboration in addressing complex and dynamic challenges. He stated, "In this period of increasing difficulties, with diverse backgrounds and expertise, it is crucial to co-create solutions through interdisciplinary research and innovation collaboration. We believe that global and societal challenges can be addressed through multi-layered, dynamic, and two-way interactions among the four main components of the innovation system: universities, private and public sectors, and society."
Türkiye's Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Türkiye, as a proud member of the G20 and a country dedicated to global sustainability, acknowledges the urgency and importance of tackling climate change. Prof. Mandal emphasized Türkiye's ambitious climate change commitments, including the approval of the Paris Agreement in October 2021 and the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2053.
To achieve a sustainable future, Türkiye has identified specific priority areas, including clean, accessible, and secure energy supply; clean and circular economy; and green and sustainable agriculture. The country also recognizes the significant potential of the green-digital twin transition and focuses on sustainable smart transportation, as evident from the launch of Türkiye's first high-resolution observation satellite, İmece, and the introduction of the domestic electric vehicle, Togg.
Furthermore, Türkiye has developed the Green Growth Technology Roadmap, which assesses the technological needs of sectors with critical importance and relatively high carbon emissions. The roadmap aims to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, primarily through quadruple helix innovation systems, and will be reflected in Türkiye's 12th Development Plan for the years 2024-2028.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
During the G20 RIIG Summit, Prof. Mandal engaged in bilateral meetings with representatives from various countries and international organizations. These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss and evaluate steps to enhance global research collaborations within the innovation ecosystem.
Prof. Mandal met with representatives from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency, where they discussed enhancing science and technology collaborations between Türkiye and Indonesia. They also agreed to establish a joint working group to identify priorities and foster collaboration.
Additionally, discussions were held with the President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology of Egypt, Prof. Mahmoud M. Sakr, to explore ways to activate collaboration between Türkiye and Egypt in research and development. The potential benefits of joint calls and the importance of cooperating in areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials, biotechnological drugs, and earthquake studies were emphasized during the meeting.
Prof. Mandal also met with the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Argentina, Daniel Filmus to discuss the existing bilateral cooperation protocol and potential collaborations in areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials, biotechnology, and earthquake studies. Both countries were in agreement about launching a joint call for proposals in September, 2023.
Furthermore, the delegation from South Africa, including the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is scheduled to visit Türkiye and TÜBİTAK in September to strengthen research collaborations and explore joint opportunities. Before this visit a joint working group is also established with South Africa to identify priorities and foster collaboration.
Additionally, Prof. Mandal met with the Minister of State of the Ministry of Advanced Technology of UAE, Sarah AlAmiri, the Minister of State of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Brazil, Luciana Santos, the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman, Prof. Rahma Ibrahim Al-Mahrooqi, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore, Alvin Tan, and the Spanish Vice-Minister and Secretary General for Research, Raquel Yotti. Furthermore, representatives from Oman, UAE, Argentina and Brazil invited Prof. Mandal to their countries in order to improve bilateral cooperation and relations.
For organizing such a successful and fruitful summit, Prof Dr Mandal thanked the Indian Minister of Science and Technology, Chair Dr. Jitendra Singh. In addition, to further our bilateral cooperation in research with India, he met with the Secretary of the Indian Department of Science and Technology and Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
The G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering Summit served as a platform for promoting research and innovation collaboration to address global challenges. TÜBİTAK President Prof. Hasan Mandal's active participation in the summit reflected Türkiye's commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation. By fostering co-creation and strengthening global partnerships, the summit aimed to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Through collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary research, countries can work together to overcome the complexities and uncertainties of the present era, ultimately shaping the destiny of our planet and impacting future generations. By embracing the principles of "One World, One Family, One Future," a global approach based on inclusivity and justice, we can chart a path towards a sustainable and prosperous future for all. Türkiye remains dedicated to its mission and vision, ready to collaborate with global partners in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
02.08.2023