Wheatley unveils framework to strengthen science and technology sector

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr Andrew Wheatley, has unveiled a National Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) architecture dubbed the “House of Innovation”, aimed at transforming Jamaica’s innovation landscape and driving economic growth.

Making his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Tuesday, Wheatley said the initiative will create a more cohesive science, technology and innovation environment while addressing fragmentation within the sector.

The framework is designed to establish focused research and development (R&D), lower barriers to innovation, and create investment and monitoring mechanisms to support excellence and accountability.

Wheatley said the House of Innovation will be built on pillars such as academic innovation, public sector science, and private sector research and development, supported by governance and policy direction from key national institutions.

The minister argued that innovation must become a central part of Jamaica’s development strategy, emphasising the need to prepare young Jamaicans to solve problems and create solutions.

“Every Jamaican child deserves to grow up thinking like a problem solver,” Wheatley told the House.

He said the initiative will focus heavily on developing human capital through science and technology education, innovation programmes, and partnerships designed to strengthen the country’s research and innovation capacity.

According to Wheatley, the House of Innovation will provide a structured framework to connect government, academia, and the private sector, creating an ecosystem that encourages research, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement.

The minister said the initiative is intended to build a strong foundation for innovation through institutions, financing, and human capital, positioning Jamaica to better compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

“Building the innovation foundation through institutions, finance and human capital” has been identified as a key objective of the framework.

Wheatley’s presentation formed part of the Government’s broader efforts to leverage science, technology, and innovation as drivers of national development and economic transformation.

He said Jamaica should begin cultivating scientific minds from the earliest stages of education.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.