Peru universities urged to take advantage of new innovation drive

Register to attend the Times Higher Education Latin America Universities Summit 2016

Gisella Orjeda, president of Peru’s National Council of Science, Technology and Technological Innovation (Concytec), has urged universities across the country to work together to build a knowledge economy capable of addressing the key challenges faced by the nation.

She was speaking in Lima earlier this month at the national conference of vice-chancellors, which brought together university leaders representing both public and private institutions.

For a long time, she argued, crucial issues of science, technology and innovation (CTI) had been largely absent from public debate in Peru.

Over the past three years, however, Concytec had greatly expanded its budget – from 5 million soles (£1.07 million) to 110 million soles (£23.4 million) – and had now been able to develop a proper national policy.

It was now up to universities, Dr Orjeda went on, to play their part in strengthening Peru’s position in science, technology and innovation.

Crucial initiatives, where Concytec was able to provide support, should help improve access to the most prestigious scientific journals; develop high-quality research centres; and streamline the application and commercialisation of research.

matthew.reisz@tesglobal.com