Key tasks and deliverables: The TNA work for Nepal will be delivered by team of two experts/consultants. While the international consultant will be responsible for developing the methodology, approach, framework of the TNA and identify/analyze nationwide priority sectors and to bring in cross-sectoral knowledge and expertise for addressing the linkages with blue emerging economies (i.e. deep sea and ocean related resources and sectors); the national consultant is expected to provide the best level of input and insights through national-level research and consultations that would feed into the TNA chapters; aiming to inform the development of a coherent and integrated national strategy for science, technology and innovation development. Tasks 1. Inception Phase and TNA kick-off – 4 days 1.1. Participate in the kick-off meeting (if applicable) 1.2. Inception Report with proposed approach and work plan and timeline (including stakeholder engagement plan in consensus with the National Consultant). Deliverable: Inception report 2. Analysis of the STI environment and National System of Innovation – 18 days 2.1. Coordinate analysis of relevant data and information sources, including national development plans and strategies, policy documents, information on STI governance structures and arrangements, information on investment in science and technology, key STI indicators and trends, etc. 2.2 Provide oversight of the stakeholder consultations, including final review of the potential list of interviewees from relevant government, academia, private sector and civil society institutions, along with the questionnaire to be used. 2.3 Liaise with the national consultant, providing overall guidance on finalizing the consultation strategy, and participate in consultations with the technical working group and selected STI experts in the country, including interviews and focus group meetings. 2.4 Work with the national consultant to prepare the chapters presenting an overview of the country’s contextual background and national system of innovation in Nepal, including a critical analysis of existing strengths and weaknesses (SWOT). Deliverables: TNA report introduction and chapters on i) the contextual background; and ii) STI environment; Final list of proposed interviews and questionnaire to be used 3. Identification of key development goals and challenges and selection of TNA focus (priority) sector(s) – 25 days 3.1. Conduct continued desk review, focused specifically on examining development goals and priority needs that can be addressed through technologies. 3.2 Participate in focus group meetings with the technical working group (TNA committee), and interviews convened by the national consultant to discuss the development challenges, identify priority development ambitions that can be more effectively addressed through technology and agree on up to 4 TNA focus (priority) sector(s) and related sub-sectors in the areas of blue economy, natural resource management, climate resilience, and sustainable energy. 3.3 Conduct an in-depth analysis of the selected 2-3 sectors (up to 4) and respective sub-sectors to understand the state of development, key gaps and challenges, areas of expertise at the country level, technology adoption and investment levels, and existing gaps. Review the investment environment, highlight barriers and opportunities for investment to drive technology transfer in the identified sectors. 3.4 Revise analysis of findings and coordinating the preparation of the chapter on the priority development goals and challenges and the focal (priority) sectors of the TNA. Deliverables: Meeting minutes; Drafted chapters on: a) the development agenda and priority challenges in addressing national goals; b) the (priority) sectors and sub-sectors which the TNA will focus on, with detailed supporting rationale. 4. Technology Analysis – 25 days 4.1 In close consultation with the national Consultant; 4.1.1 Oversee the design and submission of a survey/interview questionnaire to identify relevant technologies in the selected sub-sectors which can effectively contribute to priority development goals; identify those technologies already available/in use in the country and those suitable for transfer. Coordinate the engagement with national and international investment agencies, regional development banks, and private sector investors to identify concrete opportunities for investment in technology adoption in the priority sectors. 4.1.2 Identify at least 6-8 key technology experts with expertise in the focal sectors of the TNA to serve as members of the Technology Group of Experts. Conduct focus group meetings or one-on-one interviews with the Technology Experts to: (i) identify the main technologies that can address sectoral priority needs and drive investment; (ii) identify relevant criteria and weights to prioritize and rank the technologies; (iii) identify barriers and challenges to their deployment; (iv) provide insights to inform the preparation of technology fact sheets. 4.2 Coordinate survey data analysis, drafting of the relevant technologies long list and preparation of technology factsheet for each technology. 4.3 Participate in focus group meetings convened by the national consultant to identify criteria and weights to prioritize technologies and discuss scoring for each technology. 4.4 Finalize ranking of priority technologies per each sub-sector and prepare chapter on technology analysis. Deliverables: Proposed survey/interview questionnaire to identify relevant technologies in the identified TNA focus (priority) sectors; List of technical expert group members, Draft interview questionnaire, Meeting minutes; Technology factsheets (including characteristics, potential of applications, cost, maturity, economic benefits and social benefits); Drafted chapter on Technology Analysis 5. TNA Report – 30 days 5.1 Prepare the first draft for review by the UN Technology Bank and the national focal point. The report should include a section recommending areas and opportunities to attract investment in STI. 5.2 Prepare a second draft of the report, based on comments provided by the UN Technology Bank and the national focal points, which is to be then circulated by the UN Technology Bank/national focal point to all relevant stakeholders for their input. Deliverables: First draft of the TNA report, including executive summary, introduction, conclusion, recommendations, and annexes; Second draft of the TNA report 6. Report finalization 6.1 Revise the third draft of the report based on comments from the UN Technology Bank, national focal point and relevant stakeholders, which will then be used for the validation of the report. – 5 days 6.2 Prepare TNA Brief (2 page report summary) – 3 days Deliverables: Final draft TNA report submitted; TNA Brief/Summary produced