The conference aims to bring state R&D program managers together with national government counterparts to discuss and develop their five-year work plans and budget programs, particularly for funding under the Compact private sector development grants.
However, as part of the process of updating the R&D components of the FSM Strategic Development Plan, the conference will encompass a broader approach as well, generating discussion on possible new products and processes to improve business in FSM, identifying and seeking agreement on solutions to key problems for business, and generally seeking more discussion and understanding of the need for and means to promote economic growth in the FSM.
In order to better ensure that government programs really do meet the needs and expectations of the private sector, the conference is open to all participants and a number of private sector representatives have been invited as facilitators and presenters.
Regrettably funding and time constraints prevented the organizers from assisting with more private sector participation from the other three states.
