Latin America and transformative innovation policy

Matias Ramirez

Chapter 18 in Research Handbook on Regions and Transformative Innovation Policy, 2026, pp 298-310 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Latin America has, over the past decade, been a test bed for new transformative innovation policies, especially in global south countries. This chapter reflects on and draws lessons from some of these experiences, highlighting important cases at national, regional and place-based levels where the compass of STI policy narratives and investments has been directed towards projects with transformational outcomes. An important feature that is highlighted is that the few top-down centralised initiatives that have been initiated have been important in establishing new narratives and directions, but that without the broad support of multiple agencies or ministries they become paralysed by technocratic hurdles and/or opposition from powerful lobbies. By contrast, initiatives at, for example, the city level, with actors working in multi-network alliances, have been much more successful in freeing resources and achieving necessary alignments. Included in these alliances is the important role assigned to universities and academics. These have been important in providing much-needed technical know-how and help in channelling funds towards areas where social demands for transformation are high.

Keywords: Latin America transformations; Splintered regimes; Place-based; Participatory budgeting; Social movements (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035309924
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