Government of Nepal Drafting Umbrella Law to Regulate AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity and Innovation

 

Kathmandu. The Government of Nepal is preparing a comprehensive umbrella law to regulate Nepal's rapidly evolving science, technology, and innovation sector, with provisions covering artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity, intellectual property, startups, and emerging technologies.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has approved a concept paper for the proposed Science, Technology and Innovation Bill, which aims to consolidate fragmented laws into a single legal framework to govern the country's technology ecosystem.

According to the concept paper, Nepal's existing laws—including the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 2022, Copyright Act 2059, and Electronic Transactions Act 2063—are limited to individual sectors and lack an integrated approach to science, technology, and innovation.

The ministry said the new legislation is intended to create a coordinated, accountable, and results-oriented framework that aligns scientific advancement with national development priorities, promotes research and innovation, attracts investment, encourages private sector participation, facilitates technology transfer, and strengthens international collaboration.

AI and emerging technologies

The proposed law would establish legal and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, digital technologies, biotechnology, and clean energy, with an emphasis on their safe, responsible, and effective use.

The government also plans to strengthen data protection, intellectual property rights, research ethics, and cybersecurity, areas it considers essential for Nepal's digital transformation.

National research system and innovation support

The bill proposes legal provisions across 18 key areas related to science, technology, and innovation.

Among its major proposals is the establishment of a National Science and Technology Research Center to coordinate research activities nationwide. The legislation would also provide legal recognition and regulatory support for startups, innovation-driven enterprises, and new inventions.

It further envisions a framework for technology testing and certification for both domestically developed and imported technologies.

To strengthen research infrastructure, the government plans to support the development of science cities, science villages, technology parks, and science museums, while creating a dedicated Science, Technology and Innovation Fund to finance research and innovation projects.

The bill also prioritizes strategic national research and proposes establishing Centers of Excellence to advance specialized research fields.

Protecting innovation and strengthening collaboration

The ministry intends to include provisions for protecting Nepal's indigenous technologies and traditional knowledge through intellectual property registration. It also proposes measures to develop skilled human resources through training and capacity-building programs, while strengthening patent and copyright protection for inventors.

At the international level, the bill promotes science diplomacy to expand technology transfer and global research partnerships.

It also proposes stricter legal action against the misuse of technology, intellectual property theft, and cybersecurity-related offenses.

In addition, the government plans to establish an integrated national information system for science and technology data and encourage greater collaboration among government agencies, academia, and the private sector.

Toward 'Governance 4.0'

According to the concept paper, successful implementation of the proposed law would institutionalize Nepal's national science, technology, and innovation ecosystem and support the adoption of "Governance 4.0," which envisions greater use of AI and robotics in public administration.

The ministry said the framework is expected to promote evidence-based policymaking, science-driven governance, and accelerate Nepal's transition toward a knowledge-based digital economy.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: साउन १०, २०८३ २२:९

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