Strengthening inclusive science and innovation systems in Latin America through a collaborative research network

 

According to the 2021 Global Sustainable Development Report, strong science, technology and innovation (STI) systems are the foundation of inclusive development and to restarting progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, investments in public research and development stalled or decreased since the start of the pandemic and existing funds are rarely deployed for long-term investments to strengthen STI systems.

Establishing strong national science structures in the region, including science granting councils, was hindered by budget shortfalls driven by COVID-19 and the end of the commodity boom, high civil-service turnover, public distrust in science, and political instability. While science granting councils in the region recognize the gender imbalances in key fields at various levels, capacity gaps continue to hinder policy formulation that supports gender-inclusive STI agendas that would place women and excluded groups at the forefront of leading and benefiting from robust science systems.

This project aims to strengthen inclusive science, technology and innovation systems in Latin America by supporting new research projects on key STI priorities and a collaborative regional network. Countries eligible for support include Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama.