Publication: Supporting Innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean : Successful Examples of Technology Transfer Promotion
Date
2010-11
ISSN
Published
2010-11
Author(s)
Lasagabaster, Esperanza
Reddy, Rekha
Abstract
Limited innovation in Latin American and
Caribbean (LAC) countries impairs the region's
potential to grow and improve its living standards. Ever
since the seminal research of Solow (1957), economists have
known that technological change, and not only factor
accumulation, is critical to growth. Yet, productivity
growth in the region is lagging. The region does not invest
sufficiently in innovation nor does it always use scarce
resources efficiently. With the exception of Brazil, the
majority of countries in LAC invest less in research and
development (R&D) than other countries with similar
income levels. Moreover, less than 50 percent of R&D
investments are financed by private industry, which
contrasts with the experience of dynamic global innovators
such as China, Korea, and the United States. Public funding
of research in LAC has emphasized the generation of
conceptual knowledge but has been less efficient at
energizing technological innovation such as the production
of patents. Collaboration between industry and universities
is limited, hindering the transformation of new knowledge
into innovation. Universities and industry face different
incentives and cultures discouraging productive research
collaboration. This brief includes the following heading:
developing technology transfer offices to leverage research
for public benefit; strategic R&D alliances between
industry and research centers; and strategic technology
extension mechanisms for low technology firms.
Citation
“Lasagabaster, Esperanza; Reddy, Rekha. 2010. Supporting Innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean : Successful Examples of Technology Transfer Promotion. en breve; No. 164. © World Bank, Washington, DC; World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/0b269109-3974-556a-b76f-02b04ecb2918 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”