UNU-MERIT created a new and unique UNESCO Chair on Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development for Latin America with an overarching objective to create and reinforce the expertise of policymakers and researchers on the area of Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) policies in Latin America.
The Chair’s objective will be pursued through research, advanced training and policy-advice and by helping national and regional decision-makers, policy experts and business sector representatives develop and strengthen their capacities in ST&I policymaking. It will also contribute to enhance regional networks of policymakers and researchers.
Led by Prof Carlo Pietrobelli, the Chair builds on UNU-MERIT’s tradition and record of nurturing ST&I expertise and solidifies UNU-MERIT’s strategic partnership with UNESCO and serves as the institute’s main gateway to engage with partners across the region and co-create policy-relevant research and training.
The Chair will ensure that UNU-MERIT is well-placed to engage and collaborate with national governments and universities in several countries, including Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. It will also help the institute build existing networks, including students developing their knowledge about the region.
The Chair will focus on the role that science, technology, and innovation play in delivering the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, including through advanced-level teaching tools and policy-relevant research and training. Specific objectives include:
- The contribution to identify, discuss and socialize the main challenges regarding science, technology and innovation (STI) in the region.
- Strengthening the teaching of science, technology and innovation in postgraduate programs (Masters and PhD) in Latin America through creating a network of Latin American Universities engaged in teaching the topic.
- The promotion of policy-relevant research through innovative research, stronger research-policy interactions and dissemination of the results.
- Promoting the training of policymakers in Latin America on the themes of ST&I policy.
- Furthering the collaboration between research and policy entities in specific design, implementation and evaluation experiences, especially in support of UNESCO LA Policy Lab.
Professor Carlo Pietrobelli
Carlo Pietrobelli is a professor and policy advisor on innovation and industrial development and policy. His research interests range from development economics to innovation, trade and industry in developing countries. He has published widely and internationally in books, international journals and the media.
Prof Pietrobelli’s current and previous experience includes Dean of the Department of Economics and Professor at the University Roma Tre, Italy; Professorial Fellow at UNU-MERIT, Maastricht; and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, Washington DC.
During 2009-2016 he was a Lead Economist at the Inter-American Development Bank. He has worked on Latin American issues for many years; his network and expertise will add invaluable depth to the Chair’s activities and UNU-MERIT.
