Science, technology and innovation in the digital economy: The state of the art in Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract

Technological trajectories are inseparable from developments in employment and production and it is essential to determine which types of innovation will best serve the region in attaining the threefold objective of economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Each country’s positioning in the global economy depends on its ability to absorb knowledge and move closer to the technology frontier. Where do Latin America and the Caribbean stand in this respect? Unfortunately, despite the progress made, indicators of innovation efforts and access to technology —which are among the themes addressed in this document— are not promising. Our countries are also poorly positioned to absorb and participate in knowledge creation in new technology paradigms, particularly in the general-purpose technologies that spread through and influence the entire production system. These are some of the challenges that our region faces, and for which we aim to help craft solutions by identifying public policies that can pave the way to more inclusive and sustainable development.