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sessions inspired ideas for collaboration between the UN Technology Bank, UNCTAD, and other stakeholders.

Last week in Geneva, the United Nations Technology Bank showcased its flagship 鈥�Technology Needs Assessments鈥� (TNAs) at an intergovernmental forum on science, technology, and development supported by . The session offered a dynamic platform for global experts to explore how foresight and assessments can lay the foundations for resilient, sustainable policies. It also highlighted the value of integrating different assessment methodologies for greater impact.  

Technology assessments play a vital role in identifying needs, addressing gaps and proposing solutions for countries to improve their performance in priority sectors such as healthcare or agriculture. These assessments are crucial for fast-tracking development and attracting investment, particularly for low-income nations.  Known variously as 鈥楾echnology Needs Assessments鈥�, 鈥楾echnology Assessments鈥�, or 鈥楾echnology Foresight鈥�, though diverse in their approaches, they share a collective goal to harness science, technology, and innovation (STI) for addressing pressing development challenges.

UNTB鈥檚 flagship Technology Needs Assessments

Our presentation focused perspectives on the unique needs and opportunities facing the world鈥檚 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) highlighting how UNTB assessments can inform and strengthen their pathways to sustainable growth. We highlighted how TNAs enable countries to pinpoint critical STI needs, fostering informed decisions that support their (SDGs).

Our participation was significant, with representatives from both LDCs and developed countries in the audience. While LDCs contributed perspectives on their urgent needs, developed countries - potential supporters of these efforts - explored how best to channel knowledge and resources to help bridge STI gaps in these vulnerable economies. The discussions underscored the importance of global cooperation and resource mobilization in accelerating LDCs' access to impactful technological solutions.

Leveraging insights from UNCTAD

The session was also an opportunity to learn from UNCTAD鈥檚 work as the UN agency responsible for integrating developing countries into the global economy. A parallel workshop on a UNCTAD pilot project 鈥� using their own Technology Assessments - provided the forum to discuss methodologies and implementation strategies informed by work carried out in Zambia, Seychelles, and South Africa. In their presentations, academics, implementing bodies, and ministry representatives shared practical insights, findings, and lessons learned. The learnings from these pilot TAs will be instrumental in shaping the UN Technology Bank鈥檚 own TNA methodologies, helping us to refine our approach to meet the specific needs of LDCs more effectively.

The core role of Technology Needs Assessments in LDCs

TNAs are at the heart of the United Nations Technology Bank鈥檚 mission. They identify priority sectors within LDCs - such as agriculture, health, and climate resilience - where targeted technological solutions can yield transformative results.

UNTB has completed TNAs in 14 countries, with ongoing projects in Tanzania, Malawi, and Lao PDR, demonstrating the value of this approach. By directing resources toward priority sectors, TNAs streamline the adoption of tailored technology solutions, creating pathways for inclusive growth. These initiatives exemplify how TNAs serve as a bridge between immediate development needs and long-term resilience.

Takeaways for successful technology needs and assessment efforts:

1. Finetuning and tailoring 鈥� Customizing assessments to address each country鈥檚 specific context and priorities is crucial. No single approach fits all, and adapting methodologies ensures greater relevance and impact.
2. Stakeholder engagement 鈥� Involving a broad range of stakeholders, from local beneficiaries to international experts, is key to building comprehensive and inclusive assessments that reflect diverse needs and expertise.
3. Clear roles and responsibilities 鈥� Defining clear roles for implementing partners, beneficiaries, and donors is fundamental to the smooth implementation and long-term success of these assessments.
4. Creating synergies across initiatives 鈥� Coordination between ongoing initiatives and close collaboration between various UN agencies and development partners has a multiplier effect, amplifying the benefits and reach of technology assessments.
5. Involvement of developed countries 鈥� Although these assessments focus on developing countries and regions, participation from developed countries is essential for a global perspective. As knowledge partners or donors, developed countries play a key role in ensuring that these impactful methodologies reach the world鈥檚 most vulnerable regions and countries, many of which lack prior experience implementing such tools.

Strengthening global collaboration

The sessions in Geneva illuminated the importance of ongoing collaboration between international organizations, governments, and stakeholders. The presence of LDC and potential donor countries emphasized a shared commitment to mobilizing resources and aligning efforts to implement effective STI solutions that will shape the future of development for the most vulnerable nations. Through the harmonization of TNAs and TAs, the United Nations Technology Bank is committed to empowering LDCs with the technological insights needed to bridge gaps, build resilience, and pursue sustainable development goals.

Our commitment at the United Nations Technology Bank remains focused on fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. By investing in the development potential of LDCs, we are not only transforming economies but also creating lasting, positive change in the lives of those who need it most. In a globalized world, innovation knows no borders, and our efforts to support LDCs contribute to building a more equitable, sustainable future for all.

Asli Hekimoglu is the Programme Officer working on the Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) at the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries and can be reached at asli.hekimoglu@un.org.