Science, Technology and Innovation Policies for Development: The Latin American Experience

This book examines the implementation of science, technology and innovation (STI) policy in eight Latin American countries and the different paths these policies have taken. It provides empirical evidence to examine the extent to which STI policies are contributing to the development of the region, as well as to the solution of market failures and the stimulus of the region’s innovation systems.

Since the pioneering work of Solow (1957), it has been recognized that innovation is critical for economic growth both in developed and in less-developed countries. Unfortunately Latin America lags behind world trends, and although over the last 20 years the region has established a more stable and certain macroeconomic regime, it is also clear that these changes have not been enough to trigger a process of innovation and productivity to catch-up. Against this rather grim scenario there is some optimism emerging throughout the region. After many years of inaction the region has begun to invest in science, technology and engineering once again. Furthermore, after many changes in innovation policy frameworks, there is now an emerging consensus on the need for a solution to coordination failures that hinder the interaction between supply and demand.

Offering an informative and analytic insight into STI policymaking within Latin America, this book can be used by students, researchers and practitioners who are interested in the design and implementation of innovation policies. This book also intends to encourage discussion and collaboration amongst current policy makers within the region.

Gabriela Dutrénit is Professor of Economics and Innovation Management at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, and she is currently the President of Mexico´s Advisory Forum on Science and Technology, an advisory organism of STI policies to the government. She holds a PhD. degree from the University of Sussex (SPRU). She is a regular member of the Mexican Academy of Science. She is part of the International Scientific Committee of Global Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems (Globelics) and is the Coordinator of the Latin American Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems (LALICS). Her research interests include: innovation and development, in particular learning and technological capability accumulation at the firm level; university–industry linkages; research and development (R&D) and innovation policy.

Gustavo Crespi is a Lead Competitiveness and Innovation at the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). He holds a PhD. degree from the University of Sussex (SPRU), a M.A. degree from the University of Chile and a bachelor’s degree from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina. He was also Senior Program Officer of the International Development Research Center (IDRC), Canada. He has published numerous articles in journals such as Word Development, Research Policy, Journal of Technology Transfer, Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Technovation and Small Business Economics. He is also a member of the regional advisory board of Research Policy and the International Journal of Technology Learning, Innovation and Development.