Wheatley Announces ‘House of Innovation’ to Drive Growth

Jamaica is set to establish a "House of Innovation" as a blueprint to drive national development through science, technology, and research over the next decade. Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, announced the initiative, stating it will seek Cabinet approval.

Wheatley introduced the Jamaica National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategic Plan 2026 to 2035, with the "House of Innovation" serving as its governing framework. He emphasized that this is not a physical structure but rather a unified, mission-driven approach designed to convert knowledge, research, and innovation into tangible national development outcomes. The framework is envisioned as the operational vision for a transformed science and technology ecosystem in Jamaica.

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I am proud to formally introduce to this honourable House, and to the Jamaican people, the Jamaica National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategic Plan 2026 to 2035, and its governing framework: the House of Innovation.

During his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, Wheatley expressed pride in formally introducing the strategic plan and its governing framework to the nation. He indicated that the strategy would be presented to the Cabinet shortly for review and approval. The initiative aims to foster a more robust and integrated science and technology sector, capable of contributing significantly to the country's progress.

The announcement highlights Jamaica's commitment to leveraging innovation for economic and social advancement. The "House of Innovation" is expected to streamline efforts in converting research findings and technological advancements into practical applications that benefit the Jamaican people and drive national development.

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The House of Innovation is not a building. It is a blueprint, Jamaica’s first unified, mission-driven framework for converting knowledge, research, and innovation into national development outcomes. And it is the governance model and operational vision for a transformed science and technology ecosystem.