Bill 27 2025 - National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation Bill, 2025

[12th Decembe r 2 0 2 5 ] National I nstitute for Science, Technology and Innovation Bill 1 REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES SUPPLEMENT TO OFFICIAL GAZETTE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION BILL, 2025 (Bill No. 27 of 2025) EXPLANATORY STATEMENT ON THE OBJECTS AND REASONS FOR THE BILL 1. The Bill seeks to establish the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation which shall serve as an umbrella body providing leadership and coordination for research in science, technology and innovation and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 2. The Bill, inter alia, provides for establishment of Institute; objectives and functions of Institute; Patron of Institute; Chief Executive Officer and other staff of the Institute; accounts and annual report of the Institute; and for constitution of Committees for proper functioning of the Institute. 3. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives. Dated this 5th day of December, 2025. SEBASTIEN PILLAY VICE-PRESIDENT MINISTER FOR TECHNOLOGY ——————— [12th Decembe r 2 0 2 5 ] National I nstitute for Science, Technology and Innovation Bill 2 REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES SUPPLEMENT TO OFFICIAL GAZETTE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION BILL, 2025 (Bill No. 27 of 2025) ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS SECTIONS PART I - PRELIMINARY 1. Short title and commencement 2. Interpretation PART II – THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 3. Establishment of Institute 4. Objectives of Institute 5. Functions of Institute PART III – PATRON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND STAFF OF INSTITUTE 6. Patron of Institute 7. Chief Executive Officer of Institute 8. Termination of appointment of the Chief Executive Officer 9. Other staff PART IV – FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 10. Funds of Institute 11. Accounts of Institute 12. Financial year and audit of accounts and annual report PART V – MISCELLANEOUS 13. Constitution of Committees 14. Minister may give directions 15. Members and employees to be public servants 16. Confidentiality 17. Regulations 18. Transitional provision [12th Decembe r 2 0 2 5 ] National I nstitute for Science, Technology and Innovation Bill 3 REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES SUPPLEMENT TO OFFICIAL GAZETTE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION BILL, 2025 (Bill No. 27 of 2025) A BILL FOR AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS COMPOSITION, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS WHICH SHALL SERVE AS AN UMBRELLA BODY PROVIDING LEADERSHIP AND COORDINATION FOR RESEARCH IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION AND FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO. ENACTED BY THE PRESIDENT AND THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PART I – PRELIMINARY Short title and commencement 1. This Act may be cited as the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2025 and shall come into operation on such date as the Minister may, by Notice published in the Gazette, appoint. [12th Decembe r 2 0 2 5 ] National I nstitute for Science, Technology and Innovation Bill 4 REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES SUPPLEMENT TO OFFICIAL GAZETTE Interpretation 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires — “Institute” means the Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation established by section 3; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for Technology; and “Standards Scale” means the standard scale of fines specified under the Criminal Offences (Standard Scales of Fines) Act, 2021 (Act 26 of 2021). PART II – THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION Establishment of Institute 3. There is hereby established an Institute to be known as the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation which shall be a body corporate. Objectives of Institute 4.(1) Subject to this Act, the objectives of the Institute shall be to — (a) ensure the resources which shall support the development of science, technology and innovation; (b) create a conducive environment and conditions to foster and develop the scientific, technological and innovative culture for industrial growth and coordinate between scientists, researchers, innovators and investors to ensure that science, technology and innovation supports the competitiveness of trade and export in Seychelles; (c) collaborate with international research institutions, business enterprises and national expertise with a view to developing a competent regional knowledge clusters in science, technology and innovation, through Science Diplomacy; (d) make research and development attractive to business enterprises and to support the emergence of high-tech opportunities in the backdrop of the alarming pace of disruptive technologies and innovations; (e) improve the awareness within the industrial and service sectors in respect of the importance of intellectual property rights; (f) devise strategies to promote education and human capital in science, technology and innovation; (g) promote creativity and innovative activities in schools, bringing scientific and innovative projects and quality teaching and learning in mathematics, science, technology and enterprises; and [12th Decembe r 2 0 2 5 ] National I nstitute for Science, Technology and Innovation Bill 5 REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES SUPPLEMENT TO OFFICIAL GAZETTE (h) devise strategies, collaborate and promote the use of Artificial Intelligence, other emerging technologies and digitisation as leveraging tools in all aspects of the socio-economic development. Functions of Institute 5. The functions of the Institute shall be to — (a) promote science, technology and innovation; (b) approve and coordinate scientific research programs and activities at national level; (c) establish a Science Academy to provide independent, evidence-based advice to governments, promote scientific excellence and integrity, foster research and education and serve as a credible voice to the public and policymakers, bridging science with societal needs for national and global benefit; (d) ensure collaboration and corporation between organisations engaged in science, technology and innovation to minimise duplication of functions and minimise inter organisational conflicts; (e) partake and involve in the decision-making process of all technology transfers and acquisitions at national and international level; (f) take measures for protection of intellectual property rights of persons making research and innovation and advise the government for taking any policy and legislative measures to establish national Tech Transfer system; (g) improve research and development through capacity building and funding in science, technology and innovation while ensuring the human capital in science, technology and innovation are valued and retained; (h) develop specialised laboratories for research or local, regional and international affiliates to develop research programs; (i) maintain and publish scientific literature and research carried out locally or research carried out jointly with regional and international collaborators through the establishment of a digital scientific data repository with access to all; (j) develop and promote indigenous knowledge and technologies; (k) create a conducive environment for innovation to thrive while being aware of the overwhelming global pace of disruptions in technology and innovation in order to increase economic growth; [12th Decembe r 2 0 2 5 ] National I nstitute for Science, Technology and Innovation Bill 6 REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES SUPPLEMENT TO OFFICIAL GAZETTE (l) ensure that the development in science, technology and innovation is people centered as well as environment centered for the sustainability of the country's overall development; (m) establish a research and development centre or ecosystems to promote and support science, technology and innovation; (n) establish Business, Technology and Innovation incubation centres, science parks, maker-spaces and innovation ecosystems; (o) create a conducive environment for the integration of value chains through science, technology and innovation for the development of regional competitive advantage across economic sectors; and (p) such other functions as may be prescribed by regulations. PART III – PATRON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND STAFF OF INSTITUTE Patron of Institute 6.(1) The President shall be the Patron of the Institute. (2) The Patron may at any time attend and address any meeting of the Institute and may take part in the proceedings of any such meeting. Chief Executive Officer of Institute 7.(1) The President, shall appoint a Chief Executive Officer of the Institute from amongst the persons having qualifications and experience in the field of science, technology or innovation relating to the functions of the Institute. (2) A person shall be ineligible to be appointed or to hold office as the Chief Executive Officer, if such person — (a) has been convicted of an offence involving dishonest or fraudulent acts within or outside Seychelles; (b) has been adjudged as an insolvent by a competent court; or (c) was terminated from public service due to poor performance or misconduct. (3) The Chief Executive Officer shall hold office for such period and upon such terms and conditions, as may be determined by the President. (4) The Chief Executive Officer shall — (a) be responsible for the implementation of the decisions of the Institute and for the management of the affairs of the Institute, funds and property of the Institute; [12th Decembe r 2 0 2 5 ] National I nstitute for Science, Technology and Innovation Bill 7 REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES SUPPLEMENT TO OFFICIAL GAZETTE (b) exercise general authority over the conduct and disciplinary control of the staff of the Institute; and (c) perform any such of the functions of the Institute as the Minister, may assign. (5) The Chief Executive Officer shall submit to the Minister reports in regards to the operations, undertakings and activities of the Institute. (6) The salaries, allowances, benefits and other terms and conditions of service of the Chief Executive Officer shall be determined by the Government's remuneration policy. Termination of appointment of the Chief Executive Officer 8. The President may terminate the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer, if he or she — (a) has been guilty of any misconduct, default or breach of trust in the discharge of any duties; (b) is an undischarged insolvent or bankrupt; (c) is convicted of an offence and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three months or more; or (d) is mentally or physically incapable of carrying out the functions under this Act. Other staff of the Institute 9.(1) The Institute may employ such number of persons as it considers necessary for the effective carrying out of the functions of the Institute. (2) A person may be employed under subsection (1), on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Minister. PART IV – FINANCIAL PROVISIONS Funds of Institute 10.(1) The Funds of the Institute shall consist of — (a) the moneys appropriated from time to time by the National Assembly for the purposes of this Act; (b) the moneys accruing to the Institute from its operations including the fees and charges received by the Institute; (c) the moneys received from time to time by the Institute with the approval of the Minister by way of donations and grants from any source whatsoever; (d) the moneys received by the Institute as a funding for their project development from any source whatsoever; [12th Decembe r 2 0 2 5 ] National I nstitute for Science, Technology and Innovation Bill 8 REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES SUPPLEMENT TO OFFICIAL GAZETTE (e) such sums of money that may be raised with the approval of the Minister and the Minister responsible for Finance; and (f) any other money that may vest in or accrue to the Institute, whether in the course of its operations or otherwise. (2) The funds of the Institute shall be applied for — (a) the payment or discharge of expenses and debts; (b) the science, technology and innovation projects including the use of Artificial Intelligence and technological development projects; (c) the remuneration to be paid to the officers and other staff of the Institute; and (d) any other expenses of the Institute as may be approved by the Chief Executive officer. Accounts of Institute 11.(1) The Chief Executive officer shall ensure that proper accounts and other records are kept in respect of all the Institute's activities, fund and property including such particular accounts and records as the Minister may direct. (2) The Chief Executive officer shall, within 4 months from the end of each financial year, prepare and submit to the Minister, a statement of accounts and its activities in respect of that financial year or in respect of such other period as the Minister may direct. Financial year and audit of accounts and annual report 12.(1) The financial year of the Institute shall be the calendar year. (2) The Institute shall maintain proper accounts and other relevant records and prepare a statement of accounts in line with modern accounting methods and in such forms as may be approved by the Auditor General. (3) The accounts of the Institute shall be audited by the Auditor General in accordance with article 158 of the Constitution. (4) The Institute shall prepare once in every calendar year in such form and within such time as the Minister may direct, an annual report specifying the full account of its activities during the previous year and together with a copy of the audited accounts of the Institute to be forwarded to the Minister, who in turn shall cause the audited accounts to be laid before the National Assembly. PART V – MISCELLANEOUS Constitution of Committees 13.(1) The Institute may appoint advisory committees for matters related to the functions of the Institute for such period as may be determined by the Institute; provided that the members of the advisory committee appointed under this subsection shall not be considered as staff of the Institute. [12th Decembe r 2 0 2 5 ] National I nstitute for Science, Technology and Innovation Bill 9 REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES SUPPLEMENT TO OFFICIAL GAZETTE (2) The Institute shall determine the terms of reference and the remuneration for the members of the advisory committees. (3) The opinions or recommendations made by an advisory committee appointed under subsections (1) shall not be binding on the Institute but may be considered by the Institute in making decisions related to its functions. Minister may give directions 14. The Minister may give directions of policy to the Institute in regards to the discharge of its functions and the Institute shall comply with such directions. Members and employees to be public servants 15.(1) The officers and employees of the Institute shall be deemed to be employed in the public service and sections 91 to 95 of the Penal Code (Cap. 158) shall apply to them. (2) Any suit or other legal proceedings shall not lie against the Institute, any officers or employees of the Institute in respect of an act done or intended to be done in good faith in discharge of any function in pursuance of this Act. Confidentiality 16.(1) Any employee or member of a committee of the Institute shall not disclose any information which may come to his or her knowledge in the exercise, performance and discharge of his or her power, duties and functions under this Act, except where disclosure is permitted by any written law or an order of a competent court. (2) Any employee or member of a committee of the Institute who contravenes subsection (1), commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding level 3 of the Standard Scale. Regulations 17. The Minister may make to regulations to provide for all matters which by or under this Act are required or permitted to be prescribed or necessary to be provided for to carry out or give effect to the provisions of this Act. Transitional provision 18. The Department of Public Administration may by an order, transfer required employees from the Ministry to the Institute, for its initial functioning and such employees, shall continue their employment with the Institute on terms and conditions not less favourable than those subsisting immediately prior to the date of the commencement of this Act until these are amended, varied or repealed in accordance with the Public Service Orders or any scheme of service applicable to employees of the Government, as the case may be and thereafter, the Institute may appoint its own employees.