Dr. Gabriel Sampedro wraps up DOST Balik Scientist stint, calls for unified push in Industry 4.0 and research

Dr. Gabriel Sampedro presented his exit report at the DOST-MIRDC Titanium Building in Bicutan, formally concluding his short-term engagement as a DOST Balik Scientist. His work focused on boosting cross-border research, university internationalization, and Industry 4.0 collaboration for Philippine manufacturing and innovation.

The DOST Balik Scientist Program, under Republic Act No. 11035, invites Filipino scientists and experts based abroad to return and share their expertise with local universities, industries, and government agencies. Dr. Sampedro’s engagement underscores the program’s role in strengthening national science and technology capacity through research, training, technology transfer, and international partnership. For Dr. Sampedro, the program was a platform to translate insights from smart manufacturing and global industry–university cooperation into practical solutions for Philippine institutions and enterprises.

During his six-month stint, Dr. Sampedro played an integral role in advancing the CUATRO Program, a DOST-MIRDC initiative that aimed to expand Philippine capabilities in Industry 4.0. He helped develop a framework for collaboration among academe, government, and industry, prepared operational guidelines for university technology-needs assessments, supported the CUATRO Smart Manufacturing Hub, and led workshops on artificial intelligence, innovation, and technology convergence.

He also facilitated enterprise consultations and built partnerships with local and international research institutions. “Kaya po tayo nahuhuli ay kulang po talaga tayo sa exposure,” he said. “Dinadala ng Balik Scientist Program ang Filipino foreign talent pabalik sa Pilipinas. Kapag napasukan tayo ng bagong kaalaman mula abroad, mababago natin ang sistema ng edukasyon at innovation dito.”

A central challenge, according to Dr. Sampedro, remains the “fear of the unknown” and a lack of exposure to new technologies among local enterprises. “More than technology, what we need is exposure. Kapag narealize natin kung ano siya, mas maiintindihan natin kung paano siya makakatulong sa ating gawain araw-araw,” he explained.

As his DOST-MIRDC engagement ends, Dr. Sampedro will continue his advocacy for research collaboration through his startup, Philippine Coding Camp, and by organizing the Southeast Asian Stakeholder Summit on Generative AI for Education – Philippines 2027. He stressed the need for more unified, well-promoted, and interconnected policies to maximize the impact of research and innovation in the country. “Need nating magkaisa… Minsan marami ring budget pero hindi magaling magpromote ang government,” he added.

Dr. Sampedro’s work highlights the value of returning Filipino experts and the importance of global exposure, collaboration, and policy alignment for the Philippines to advance in research, innovation, and Industry 4.0.