Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Case Study: Advanced Science and Technology Institute (Part 1)

The Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), one of the primary Research and Development centers of the Philippines was presented in this case study1 where its fundamental objective is to analyze the management of ASTI’s R&D component. The report was presented last 12 March 2011 before the TM204 or Management of Research and Development class under Dr. Rolando P. Dayco at the University of the Philippines Technology Management Center (UP-TMC).


ABOUT ASTI
The Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 128 on 30 January 1987, as one of the seven research and development institutes of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) tasked in conducting scientific research and development in the advanced fields of Information and Communications Technology and Microelectronics.

The following is ASTI’s mandate, vision, and mission as published2:

Our Mandate
Conduct scientific research and development in the advanced fields of Information and Communications Technology and Microelectronics.

Our Vision
"The Advanced Science and Technology Institute shall be among the leading Research and Development Centers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Electronics within the Southeast Asian region."

Our Mission
"The Advanced Science and Technology Institute is committed to the development of the Filipino society and the Philippines as a nation. We shall contribute to the attainment of national development priorities and the growth of Philippine enterprises by providing innovative solutions using ICT and electronics technology."

ASTI is committed towards contributing to the attainment of the following major final outputs:
1. Diffusion of knowledge and technologies
2. Generation of new knowledge and technologies
3. Development of human resources for the science and technology sector
4. Provision of quality science and technology services

In line with the national technology development efforts spearheaded by the national government through the Department of Science and Technology, ASTI is currently undertaking research and development projects under three (3) program thrusts:

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
This program aims to adopt, adapt, and/or develop strategic and research and development activities in the areas of information and communication technologies.
Components:
  • Advanced Networking Research
  • Wireless Technologies
  • Network Applications and Software
Microelectronics Program
This program seeks to develop a state-of-the-art microelectronics design facility where one can do quality R&D work and cultivate a skilled workforce adept in Integrated Circuit (IC) Design through training and exposure to actual design work.
Components:
  • Digital, RF, Analog and Mixed-Signal Microelectronics R&D
  • Printed Circuit Board Laboratory
  • ASTI-Virtual Center for Technological Innovation in Microelectronics Open Laboratory
Technology Transfer Program
ASTI pursues dynamic assimilation of research results by industry, academe, non-government organizations, and government institutions. It aims to transfer research and development outputs and advanced know-how through:
  • Technology diffusion and commercialization
  • Collaborative research and development
  • Conduct of trainings and seminars
  • Industry studies

EXISTING PRODUCTS, SOLUTIONS, AND SERVICES AT ASTI

Below is a basic summary of the major product releases completed by ASTI:

GSM Data Terminal - This product enables computers to send and receive text messages, just like an ordinary cellular phone. It uses any mobile phone SIM card, and there is no need for Internet connection.

Wireless Telemetry and Remote Monitoring Platform - Customizable and flexible platform for data logging applications through wireless network based on Global Systems for Mobile Communication or GSM. Provides a complete data acquisition solution when paired with the GSM data terminal for real-time data monitoring and graphical analysis of measurement readings from different types of sensors (e.g. temperature, pressure, humidity etc.)

PICMe - Microcontroller Starter Kit - A low-cost pocket size microcontroller learning board to jumpstart your project development with MCUs.

Digital Wood Moisture Meter - The Digital Wood Moisture Meter (WMM) is a handy tool used to determine the moisture content of selected local hardwoods. The WMM is indispensable for the local woodworking/furniture industry and is designed to be a fully-functional, low-cost alternative.

Digital MultiMeter - An ultra low cost digital multimeter built with state of the art DMM processor. The first ever produced multimeter product designed by Filipinos to reach the market. This portable test instrument is capable of handling various electrical measurements such as AC/DC voltage, current and resistance measurement and other special features.

Pasteurizer - The Human Breast Milk Pasteurizer is a device that kills harmful bacteria present in milk due to its mishandling and unsafe storage.

Digital Library System - ASTI offers a digital library platform for use by PREGINET partner institutions. The digital content system is capable of handling digitized documents. Documents that can be easily uploaded and stored include conference proceedings, journals, theses, dissertations, and other publications, even audio and video files of trainings, seminars, and workshops.

Digital Content System - A free online library which directs users to exemplary resources for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and research. This integrated library system, or ILS, is an enterprise resource planning system for a library. This library management system is designed to coordinate and automate such library functions as the online catalogue, the circulation system, and the acquisitions system.

Virtual Classroom - ASTI offers classroom-like courses over IP. Courses are offered on-line and modules are uploaded and made accessible to intended internet portals. This learning platform has now been adopted by many as a form of distance learning. This kind of system offers a great advantage in terms of availability of school at all times.

Web Hosting - This allows individuals and organizations to host their own website, and users with online systems for storing information, images, video, or other content accessible via the World Wide Web. ASTI-PREGINET provides this service to State Universities and Colleges, Government organizations, and Research Institutions.

Domain Delegation of .gov.ph - ASTI is in charge of delegating .gov.ph domains to various government units.


References:
1 Case study on “Research and Development Management at the Advanced Science and Technology Institute” by Joselito Barquez, Rafael Concepcion and Ronald Gonzales, last 12 March 2011 at TM204 Management of Research and Development class under Dr. Rolando P. Dayco, University of the Philippines Technology Management Center (UP-TMC)
2 Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), asti.dost.gov.ph

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