Introduction

Context and Importance

Latin America is at a critical juncture where science, technology, and innovation (STI) can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable development and economic recovery. The region faces numerous challenges, including economic stagnation, social inequalities, and environmental degradation, all of which can be addressed through strategic investments in STI. However, these opportunities have historically been underexploited due to a lack of coordinated efforts and sustained funding. In the ever more competitive and unsettled context driven by the new knowledge- and technology-driven global economy, the need for Latin America to strengthen its STI capabilities has never been more urgent.

Historical Underinvestment

The region has a long history of underinvestment in STI, as reflected in low R&D spending, fewer patents, and limited private sector involvement in innovation activities, plus a weak research workforce, made even weaker by significant brain drain and severe limits in the capacity of research universities to provide attractive environments for scientific careers in many fields. This underinvestment has hampered Latin America’s ability to compete globally and to address pressing socio-economic challenges effectively. The consequences of this chronic underfunding are evident in the region’s stagnation in productivity, innovation, and overall economic growth. Despite its rich natural resources and vibrant cultures, Latin America has struggled to leverage these assets into sustained economic and technological advancement.

International Cooperation

To overcome these challenges, international cooperation within Latin America and with strategic partners from North America, Europe, and Asia is crucial. Building STI capabilities relevant to 21st-century challenges requires a critical mass of resources, including human, financial, and physical capital. International cooperation can provide the necessary support to mobilize these resources and foster a more innovative and competitive region. Moreover, such cooperation can help Latin America integrate more fully into global scientific networks, ensuring that the region not only benefits from global advances in knowledge but also contributes to them.

Purpose of the White Paper

This paper describes the Initiative for Knowledge in the Americas, providing an overview of how INKA will operate, what it seeks to achieve, and how it will make a lasting impact on Latin America’s STI landscape.