A Shared Vision and Greater Commitment Required
Geneva, 7 October 2011 - A review of the current science, technology and innovation (STI) landscape in Peru recently conducted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicates that proactive public policies are needed for STI to become a stronger driver of long-term economic growth and competitiveness.
Economic growth is largely sustained by scientific, technological and innovation capacities that allow the production of high value-added products and services.
Peru offers great economic potential in a number of strategic sectors. For example, Peru has an abundance and diversity of genetic material, which gives the country considerable comparative advantage in the development of a strong biotechnology sector. However, to fulfil such opportunities, increased research and training capacities, as well as a comprehensive regulatory framework that stimulates the transfer of knowledge and the commercialization of products, are required. Forging alliances with civil society stakeholders and educational institutions abroad is also critical to achieving the proposed goals.
A first recommendation that emerges from the UNCTAD report is that increased private and public investment in knowledge generation and adaptation activities is necessary. A better understanding by all socioeconomic players of the role of knowledge and innovation in economic and social development and a stronger political commitment would increase public and private investment in STI. However, additional resources for research and development are not enough. Better collaboration and interaction between the private sector, universities and research institutions will be vital. For this to happen, certain regulatory barriers should be removed, and incentives for such collaboration should be strengthened.
The review also emphasizes the need to establish a coordinated national strategy that can rely on strong institutions capable of leading the development of STI in Peru. Such institutions should be able to set priorities based on a study of key sectors and market potential, to allocate resources accordingly and to adjust policies based on effective monitoring and evaluation tools.
The study underlines the importance of investing in the development of Peruvian human capital, enhancing the quality of education at all levels - in particular scientific and technological education - and offering incentives to promote research in institutions of higher education.
A number of measures are suggested in the review to promote private-sector development and innovation activities. For example, action could be taken to increase access to venture and seed capital, and to support the consolidation of business incubators.
Another highlight of the UNCTAD study is the need for a coherent legal framework that promotes collaboration and technology transfer between universities, research institutes and companies and fosters innovation capacities in strategic sectors.
The report identifies a number of programmes already in place in Peru that have brought positive results. Examples include innovation funds that encourage investment in research and development activities, and collaboration among enterprises and research institutions, technological centres (CITEs) that facilitate the transfer of technology and the CONCYTEC Chairs that promote the repatriation and formation of a critical mass of researchers. The Government of Peru could continue building upon such successful initiatives which have, so far, been underfunded.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) Review of Peru was prepared by UNCTAD at the request of the Peruvian Government. The report examines the country´s national innovation system from a general perspective and discusses the potential for innovation in three strategic sectors: information and communication technologies, biotechnology and nanotechnology.
This study, carried out in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), is part of a wider UNCTAD programme to promote the development of policymaking capacities in the area of science, technology and innovation policies. The STIP Review of Peru is the first of a new series of STIP Reviews currently being undertaken by UNCTAD in Latin America.
