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Peru seeks stronger science, technology and innovation (STI) policies to sustain growth

25 May 2012

Active STI policies will be essential for strengthening the country’s domestic productive capacities and maintaining the economic growth trend, argues UNCTAD’s STI Policy Review of Peru, presented at CSTD by the Director for Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peru.​

In recent years, the Peruvian economy has experienced remarkable growth. UNCTAD's Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Review of Peru, presented last Thursday in Geneva during a session of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, suggests that for such growth to be sustainable it will be necessary to promote a structural transformation of the economy, strengthening domestic productive capacities through adopting stronger STI policies.

Video: H.E. Ambassador Mr. Miguel Palomino de la Gala
Video: H.E. Ambassador Mr. Miguel Palomino de la Gala

H.E. Ambassador Mr. Miguel Palomino de la Gala, Director for Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peru, spoke in detail about some of the challenges the country is currently facing in the area of STI.

UNCTAD's report indicated that investment in research and development in the country is low, and that there is a comparative lack of skilled human resources with technical education. Unsurprisingly then, the export pattern reflects a strong emphasis on raw materials. In this regard, there is no doubt that UNCTAD’s STIP review will be of major assistance to Peru in the development of STI policies that could help overcome some of the current challenges, leading to improved productivity and diversification, higher income levels and widespread benefits for the population, he concluded.

Referring to the strong commitment of President Humala's administration with STI, Mr. Palomino also introduced the report of the Consultative Commission on Science, Technology and Innovation, established by the President. The report, based among others on UNCTAD's policy review, suggests a number of options and actions to reinforce Peruvian STI policies and institutions.

The STI Policy Review of Peru was conducted by UNCTAD in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and is available in Spanish and English.