Leveraging science, technology and innovation to reduce noncommunicable diseases in Mauritius : technical report for the STI for SDGs roadmap

Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) play a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2022, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the Directorate General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) of the European Commission joined forces launching the project science, technology and innovation (STI) for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Roadmaps in Africa. The objective of the project was to improve directionality and effectiveness of STI policies to contribute to the SDGs in line with the EU priorities for STI cooperation with Africa as expressed in the AU-EU Innovation Agenda. To develop the roadmap in Mauritius the JRC partnered with the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), a leading institution designing and implementing STI policy. Following stakeholder consultations, the recommendation was to focus the project on the role of STI in reducing Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Mauritius. The project used a participatory and co-creation approach, involving stakeholders from the public and private sectors, NGOs, international partners and academia. The roadmap was informed by the stakeholder workshop held in Mauritius on 25 March 2024, and a series of interviews with the local and international stakeholders involved in initiatives relevant for noncommunicable diseases in Mauritius.