ABSTRACT
It is clear that science, technology and innovation (STI) are necessary for development. Science and technology, knowledge sharing and capacity and innovation play a vital game-changing role in empowering developing countries' economies and societies to lift them out of poverty. They are essential drivers and enablers for eradicating poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, as well as playing a vital role where the three pillars of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental – are concerned, facilitating efforts to address global challenges. The Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development's work is carried out with the ultimate aim of reducing poverty in the world; ensuring sustainable development; and promoting democracy, peace and security. Development cooperation and aid, and STI cannot separately take people forward. Identifying an evidence basis to examine policy options means better linkages between research and policymaking.
