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Science, Technology and Innovation

Science, Technology and Innovation

Innovation is essential for more productivity and economic progress.

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Sector Framework Initiatives Projects at a Glance
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Our Vision

We help to strengthen competitiveness through corporate innovation, making clear that knowing the region’s economies is crucial for success within the context of current technological changes. 

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Current Focus Areas

Boost science, technology, and innovation investment, both public and private, in order to reduce the innovation deficit characteristic of the region’s economies. 

Work with governments of the region to develop and implement public policies that strengthen the Innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Support the countries of the region in taking full advantage of the potential of the digital economy and mitigating its negative effects. 

Support the generation of highly qualified human capital as a key component to sustain and further develop innovation ecosystems. 

Promote innovative initiatives that align with global policies and goals against climate change, endorsing the use of technology and cutting-edge knowledge that support the region towards decarbonization.  

Innovation

Innovation acts as a key determinant of long-term growth by improving ways of combining capital and labor, playing an essential role in the competitive advantage, sustainability, increased productivity and economic progress.

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Competitiveness

Training in science, technology and innovation for advanced human capital; strengthening scientific and technological infrastructure; designing public policies to promote innovation; and strengthening institutional capacity of the agencies and ministries that are responsible for implementing these policies have a direct impact on productivity.

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Levels and Growth

About half of the disparity in income levels and growth rates between countries due to differences in total factor productivity.

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Research and Development

Studies have concluded that investment in research and development explains up to 75% of the differences in total factor productivity growth rates.

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Economy Based on Knowledge

A decisive factor for an economy based on knowledge is the exponential growth of information generated by the expansion of information technology and communications.

Mujer frente a computador navegando por la web del BID. Transformación digital - Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo - BID
Peru to Boost Innovation and Entrepreneurship with IDB Support
WASHINGTON – The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $100 million loan to increase business productivity in Peru through investments in innovation. The plan aims to boost investment in innovation, finance the growth of new ventures, reduce...
IDB Expands Digital Solutions to Strengthen Transparency in Latin America and Caribbean
Dominican Republic launches InvestmentMap 2.0, the new version of the IDB's regional initiative for budget traceability   WASHINGTON — The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) reaffirms its leadership in the regional agenda for transparency, integrity, and the fight against corruption with...
El Salvador Strengthens Role as a Regional Innovation Hub at GET Forum 2025 with IDB Group Support
Investments, partnerships, and new programs are boosting the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and driving innovation across Latin America and the Caribbean. SAN SALVADOR — GET Forum, the flagship innovation event of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group), held for the first time in...
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Private Firms and SME Development

The IDB Group is committed to the development of Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector and channels.

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Reform and Modernization of the State

Building state capacity to strengthen rule of law, promote innovation and open governments to deliver better citizen services.

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