DOST works with IBM on lab

INFORMATION technology and business solutions provider IBM partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the first Philippine Systems and Technology Research and Development (R&D) laboratory.

According to IBM, the R&D lab is a strategic growth initiative by the government meant to advance four critical areas: business process outsourcing, governance for anti-corruption efforts, talent development, and innovation for a knowledge-based economy.

“The project is a great example of an integrated, joint approach to research that combines IBM’s global expertise with the skills and knowledge of the Filipino people to accelerate their preparedness for the global marketplace,” said IBM Philippine president and country general manager Mariels Almeda Winhoffer in a statement.

DOST and IBM may consider a project audit system and database; landslide predictive analytics; weather prediction and flood mapping; crime prevention; traffic management; and high-performance computing, among their initial projects.

“This R&D center will go a long way in building domestic capacity to support continued economic growth and global competitiveness,” said DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.