By: Dr. Nurzatil Sharleeza Mat Jalaluddin
M-Pesa is a mobile phone-based money transfer, financing and microfinancing service launched in 2007 by Vodafone for Safaricom and Vodacom, the largest mobile network operators in Kenya and Tanzania. It allows users to deposit, withdraw, transfer money and pay for goods and services easily with a mobile device. M-Pesa has been a breakthrough innovation that has significantly improved financial inclusion in Kenya. By 2015, M-Pesa had over 17 million active users in Kenya alone, which is more than 60% of the adult population. It has enabled millions of unbanked people to access financial services and has become an important driver of financial inclusion and economic development in Kenya.
This innovative breakthrough, developed with limited resources, demonstrates the profound impact that accessible technology can have on addressing critical challenges in developing nations. As we observe the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South on September 16th, this story exemplifies the transformative power of innovation and underscores the urgent need to support scientific progress in regions where it is most needed.
Science and technology are essential to solving global issues, from healthcare and agriculture to climate change and education. This day highlights the crucial role of innovation in overcoming barriers faced by developing countries, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of building scientific capacity and fostering collaboration to bridge the gap between advanced economies and the Global South.
Malaysia stands as a beacon of progress in this arena. Recently ranked 36th in the Global Innovation Index, the country’s RM2.4 billion investment in research and development has not only advanced its scientific landscape but also nurtured a vibrant community of researchers and innovators. With over 200,000 research papers and 15,000 domestic patents filed in the last two decades, Malaysia exemplifies how strategic investment can propel a nation to the forefront of technological advancement.
Yet, the path to future innovation lies in embracing the principles of Open Science. By sharing research data and promoting transparency, Malaysia is leading the way with the Malaysia Open Science Platform. This initiative embodies the spirit of open innovation, where research outcomes are freely shared to solve real-world problems, much like the money transfer system that has made a significant impact in Kenya.
UNESCO’s recommendations for Open Science—focusing on open knowledge, infrastructure, dialogue with diverse knowledge systems, and inclusive engagement—serve as a blueprint for advancing scientific collaboration. These principles are being embraced globally through a range of open science initiatives that are breaking down barriers to knowledge and fostering international cooperation. For instance, the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) is a major initiative aimed at creating a virtual environment for researchers across Europe to store, manage, and share data, providing unprecedented access to scientific knowledge across disciplines. By facilitating open access to research outputs, the EOSC has empowered scientists from all over the world to collaborate more effectively and make data-driven discoveries that are critical to addressing global challenges like climate change and public health.
Similarly, Latin America’s LA Referencia, an open access network of repositories, allows free access to scientific publications across the region. It connects research outputs from countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, ensuring that the fruits of scientific labor are accessible to all, regardless of institutional or geographic boundaries. This initiative highlights how open knowledge sharing can lead to the integration of diverse research efforts, driving innovative solutions to regional and global problems.
In Africa, the African Open Science Platform (AOSP) aims to enhance the visibility of African research by providing a collaborative environment where data, research, and knowledge are openly shared. This platform has been instrumental in fostering scientific innovation on the continent, particularly in fields like agriculture and healthcare, where access to research is critical to sustainable development.
Malaysia’s involvement in the OPEN-ASIA ERASMUS+ project, connecting universities from Malaysia, India, and several European countries, further illustrates its commitment to this collaborative approach. By participating in these global efforts, Malaysia is not only aligning its scientific agenda with international standards but also setting the stage for a more open, connected, and innovative future. These initiatives collectively demonstrate that Open Science is more than a concept—it’s a global movement that is reshaping the way knowledge is produced, shared, and utilized.
In conclusion, the call to action is clear: we must continue to support and invest in open science initiatives. By championing policies that facilitate knowledge sharing and global collaboration, we can ensure that the benefits of innovation reach every corner of the world, driving sustainable development and improving lives. The future of science and technology is bright, and it’s within our power to shape it.
Let’s share knowledge, spark innovation, and shape a better tomorrow.
The author is a senior lecturer at the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya and may be reached at nurzatil@um.edu.my
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