Establishing a School of Sustainable Design and Technology (SDT) in Bangladesh is essential for enhancing manufacturing, training, and economic development. The country's education system currently lacks the technical depth necessary to meet the demands of the global industry [289d62d3]. The SDT will offer multidisciplinary courses in Experience and Interaction Design, Industrial and Product Design, and AI-driven Smart Design, addressing the skills gap in emerging sectors [289d62d3].
The IT sector in Bangladesh is experiencing significant growth, with an annual increase of 20%, generating over $1 billion in export revenue [289d62d3]. However, the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector still dominates, representing 84% of Bangladesh's exports in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for economic diversification [289d62d3]. The proposed SDT aims to prepare students for both domestic and global markets, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in various industries [289d62d3].
In addition to addressing the skills gap, the SDT will focus on sustainable solutions for infrastructure and environmental issues through its Applied Immersive Design degree [289d62d3]. Programs in AI and Smart Design will further prepare students for future job markets, ensuring that Bangladesh remains competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world [289d62d3].
The establishment of the SDT aligns with the broader goal of positioning Bangladesh as a leader in innovation and sustainability, which is crucial for the country's long-term economic development [289d62d3]. By investing in education that emphasizes sustainable design and technology, Bangladesh can enhance its manufacturing capabilities and foster a more resilient economy [289d62d3].
Moreover, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has noted that most industries in Bangladesh invest less than Tk 500 per year on research and development (R&D) per worker, which could hinder the country's aspirations of becoming a manufacturing hub and a developed nation within the next two decades [26c710a0]. R&D investments accounted for only 0.03 percent of GDP in 2022-23, significantly lower than in countries like Vietnam and China [26c710a0].
The low tax-to-GDP ratio limits public spending on social sectors, which further hinders progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [5a4bc31c]. The Sustainable Development Report 2023 highlights the need for critical institutional reforms to effectively work towards achieving the SDGs in Bangladesh [5a4bc31c].
In contrast, Bulgaria has seen a significant increase in R&D investment, with total expenditure reaching 1,265.6 million BGN in 2022, reflecting a commitment to scientific and technological advancement [214932d5]. This growth positions Bulgaria favorably on the global stage, potentially attracting more international collaborations and investments [214932d5].
In a related effort, the Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements (BRICM) has launched an initiative to produce disease detection kits locally, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen healthcare infrastructure [9efba6d7]. The project is part of a Tk144 crore initiative that includes developing kits for various diseases, which could enhance accessibility to critical medical resources [9efba6d7].
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has supported Zimbabwe in increasing cholera testing rates through training programs for healthcare personnel, demonstrating the importance of capacity building in addressing public health challenges [0a9f6d09]. These initiatives underscore the critical role of education and training in driving economic and social development across different regions.