Science and Digitalization for A Better Future

This task force focuses on science policy bottlenecks that are hindering the potential for scientific advances and digitalization to enhance human capital development, long term economic productivity, and system change. It seeks to highlight the importance of approaching science and digitalization as international public goods. The task force’s agenda includes cross-border science and innovation policies, multilateral science financing architecture, digital infrastructure investment, digital security, connectivity and interoperability, and the development of frontier technology as a public good in fields such as biotechnology, spatial exploration, and polar research. Suggested policy brief topics include: (i) the role of science, technology, and innovation in sustainable development and resilience across the G7 and Group of 20 (G20); (ii) cybersecurity and data privacy in a digitally connected world, digital education, and IT literacy and equality; (iii) the potential for science and inclusive methods and transformative innovation to generate sustainable food, water, and land systems at scale; (iv) and intellectual property rights regimes, their assets, and limitations.