APEC economies have called for stronger policy coordination and practical cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, as artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies rapidly transform the Asia-Pacific region’s economic landscape. The emphasis was on leveraging technological advances while addressing shared challenges such as digital inequality, sustainability, and responsible technology governance.
Chen Jiachang, Vice Minister of Science and Technology of China, highlighted that the ongoing technological revolution presents both unprecedented opportunities and intertwined global challenges. He stressed that Asia-Pacific economies, closely interconnected and sharing common interests, must strengthen consensus and cooperation, using science, technology, and innovation as engines for regional prosperity and stability.
The APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) convened under the theme Fostering an Open and Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem for Resilient Growth in the Asia-Pacific, where policymakers, researchers, and experts discussed how open innovation, cross-border knowledge flows, and public–private collaboration can drive productivity growth. Key topics included AI policy, green and digital transitions, open science, researcher mobility, and innovation ecosystems’ role in regional competitiveness.
Innovation has been identified as one of APEC’s three priorities for 2026, with economies aiming to unlock growth potential through technological change while ensuring shared prosperity. Dr. Hwanil Park, Chair of PPSTI, emphasized the need for clear policy direction and measurable outcomes to demonstrate the benefits of cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and AI for member economies.
The meeting reviewed progress on APEC-funded projects, open science initiatives, and scientist exchange programs, while discussing new project proposals related to AI, low-carbon technologies, university–industry collaboration, women in science, and youth innovation. Hazami Habib, Vice Chair of PPSTI, highlighted the importance of inclusive collaboration across governments, academia, private sector, and civil society, stressing that an open innovation ecosystem is about partnerships, shared knowledge, and collective problem-solving rather than mere technology transfer.
Outcomes from the Guangzhou meeting will inform PPSTI’s future work program and policy recommendations, helping APEC economies harness science, technology, and innovation to achieve resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth across the region.
