For many, the quality of life may have improved. There is an increase in life expectancies and natural resources are still abundant for everyone’s need; while, food supply is still keeping pace with demands. However, legitimate concerns are threatening to harm our ecosystems and persistently increase toxins in the atmosphere. This is mainly due to innovations that bring about detriments to the environment, a complete disregard to a sustainable future.

We have come to acknowledge efficient innovations that correspond to Mother Nature -an integral element to true civilization- which are still a needed paradigm shift for policy makers, commercial stakeholders and innovators. 

As such, it is heartening to note that there are numerous efforts around the world to encourage innovators in producing inventions towards sustainability, thus paving for a balance in economic and social growth with emphasis on the continuity of natural resources. At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), we are highly charged by the remarkable recognition for sustainable development and the changes that are being cultivated now. To set an example, Malaysia will be the host to an international forum- the World Innovation Forum (WIF) held from 10 to 11 August 2007 focussing on sustainability and run concurrently with an annual exposition entitled International Exposition of Research and Inventions of Institutions of Higher Learning or PECIPTA 07 to be held from 10 to 12 August 2007.

World Innovation Forum and PECIPTA 07 are open to:

• All public and private institutions of higher learning in Malaysia as well as universities and institutions from overseas;

• Private sector companies and industries which have direct or indirect interests in research;

• Innovation enabler companies;

• Innovators in areas of sciences, humanities and social science; and

• Higher officials and policy makers representing a fundamental, applied nature and also development of technology and products.