Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) Releases 2025 Science, Technology & Innovation Outlook – Calls for Technology Convergence

PARIS — The OECD has published its 2025 Science, Technology & Innovation Outlook, emphasising that the convergence of disciplines such as AI, neurotechnology, synthetic biology and quantum tech is rapidly reshaping economies and societies.
Key messages include: governments must refocus research systems towards transformative change (not business-as-usual); interdisciplinary “convergence spaces” are needed; public‐private coordination should be strengthened; and investment must catalyse innovation ecosystems rather than simply fund incremental change.
For developing countries, the report suggests that tapping into these convergence trends offers opportunities — but also carries risks around governance, security and equitable outcomes.
Why it matters:

Innovation is no longer about single technologies but about how multiple technologies come together to create new applications and markets.

Policy frameworks that allow for experimentation, flexibility and collaboration will give countries a competitive edge.

For Uganda and other African countries, engaging in global innovation ecosystems becomes more relevant as digital and biotech frontiers expand.
What’s next:

Watching how national governments respond: will they restructure research funding?

Observing how private investment flows align with convergence themes.

Tracking how emerging economies harness or fall behind in next-wave technologies.