The Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine Tchuente, has called on researchers in Cameroon to be competitive and innovative in order to help the country emerge by 2035.

The call was made on 3rd September 2014, during day two of the Scientific Activity Launch, a forum which sought to quantify scientific research and innovation, its challenges and prospects.

The meeting which brought together experts in scientific research, ended with several resolutions, paving the way forward.

In an inaugural lecture, Prof Jean Louis Essame Oyomo, a seasoned researcher, explained the role of scientific research as a driving force towards Cameroon’s emergence by 2035.

As way forward, Prof Essame proposed various models:

- the creation of technopoles which he defined as sites with industries, universities and other research institutions.

- the clustering of companies dealing in similar fields

- the creation of competitive poles in one geographical area.

According to the researcher, the proposed ideas will encourage collaboration and competition amongst researchers, with innovation as end product.

He also laid emphasis on financial support and on the role of the government and the researcher towards emergence.

Minister Madeleine Tchuente during her closing remarks lauded the efforts of scientific researchers in Cameroon, pointing out their contributions towards protecting the Lakes Nyos and Noun as well as combating the deadly Ebola virus, as early as 2006.

The minister called on the researchers to apply the concepts discussed which in her opinion could spark off competition leading to innovation and Cameroon’s emergence by 2035.