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Science and Technology and the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), through its Science and Technology Division, supports the 26 borrowing member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in their efforts to become knowledge-based economies through increased investment in science, technology and innovation (STI), as means to improve productivity and reduce poverty and inequality.
Areas of Action
Business Innovation
In order to promote productivity and competitiveness the IDB fosters increased investment by business in research and development (R&D), especially in small and medium enterprises and in the service sector. There are some obstacles, including weak science and technology institutions, liquidity constraints, access to human capital, and lack of protection of intellectual property, that businesses in the region need to overcome to successfully continue innovation.
Capacity Building
The IDB supports the development of human capital to innovate and strengthen science and technology institutions and networks. Human capital and networks are important not only for innovation, but also to accelerate the widespread diffusion of general-purpose technologies such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Inclusive Technology
The IDB supports improved policies and governmental actions in the ICT sector for increased business productivity and digital inclusion. The IDB assists Latin American and Caribbean countries in developing essential ICT infrastructure to increase network coverage and to ensure that ICTs, especially broadband, reach the poorest countries and households.
By the numbers
7%
The average annual rate of growth of publications per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean between 1994 and 2008 is 7%. More>>
News
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IDB supports Peru in program for business innovation and technological development
IDB loan of $35 million helps Peru implement new program for science, technology and innovation. Jan 23, 2012
Projects Highlights
Approved
- Peru. Innovation Project for Competitiveness. Jan 12, 2012
- Chile. Intellectual Property for Development: Access & Diffusion of registered knowledg. Nov 29, 2011
- Chile. E-learning in LAC: 3 Personalized Learning Environments (PLE). Nov 17, 2011
- Argentina. Federal Government Procurment Portal. Nov 4, 2011
- Peru. The effects of ICT on maternal and neonatal health. Oct 8, 2011
- Regional. Promoting the development of a broadband platform for LAC Region. Sep 28, 2011
- Nicaragua. Expansion of services generated by the project TRAZAR.nic. Sep 26, 2011
- Regional. Broadband Development for Competitiveness and Integration. Aug 26, 2011
Regional Policy Dialogue
Science, Technology and Innovation Network
ICT in Development
In this blog we discuss the effect of information and communication technology (ICT) on economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Development Connections: Unveiling the Impact of New Information Technologies (22:55)
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