The webinar  aims  to  present and  validate the draft findings  of  the  Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)  Gap Assessment of  the  SPECA Countries. It also aims to discuss concrete actions for the first Action Plan under the SPECA Innovation Strategy  for  Sustainable  Development. To  further guide the  conversation on  driving  innovation  for sustainable development  in  the  SPECA  sub-region, the  potential  for new industrial  policy (NIP) to support  STI  development through  technology  upgrading will  be  showcased.  Technology  upgrading appears  to  be  the  most suited NIP  approach  in  the  sub-region,  given  SPECA countries` economic structure, innovation capabilities and the state of governance of industrial and innovation policies. In addition,  the webinar will  feature discussion of effective  incubator policy  to support  innovative entrepreneurship in the sub-region as a driver of innovation and sustainable development. This part will draw on the UNECE Handbook on Promoting Innovation through Incubation Programmes in the SPECA Sub-region (forthcoming).