Supporting research and innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean through enhanced regional collaboration

 

There is an increasing need to enable research to tackle some of the key development priorities faced by countries in the Global South. Better regional integration through increased collaboration between more- and less-developed national science systems is key to strengthening science and innovation capacity in Latin America. It can also help combine and leverage resources and share best practices for mission-oriented research across innovation agencies and science-granting councils (SGCs). There are also opportunities for reduced fragmentation in the region that would help researchers in Latin America to use, develop, and adapt emerging technologies and cutting-edge research in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI).

This project will administer a pilot call on AI and geospatial data in Latin America, which will support leading research teams to use AI and geospatial data for development outcomes (health, inequality, environment, etc.), engage other granting agencies from around the region, and synthesize lessons from the collaboration. It will also focus on knowledge mobilization and support the development of a regional community of practice in the field. IDRC funding will enable the participation of more countries in the region.

The project will also support regional research collaboration by convening key SGCs and innovation agencies across Latin America to discuss opportunities for collaboration, namely through joint calls. Further, it will work with governments, universities, and think tanks to study the science, technology, and innovation landscape of Latin America and make recommendations on how to strengthen regional collaboration and develop a concrete roadmap for more sustainable, inclusive, and effective science systems in Latin America.