In line with UNIDO’s motto “Progress by Innovation”, advances in science, technology and innovation (STI) are a key determinant of industrial development and economic growth. UNIDO supports capacity building and strategies with the aim of mobilizing STI to promote the achievement of Agenda 2030, and in particular to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9. 

Against this backdrop, UNIDO contributed to several capacity development and awareness raising activities in the context of the “Seminar LALICS 2023: New Approaches to Innovation for Sustainable Development”, which convened over 200 experts, policymakers and graduate students from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The seminar was co-hosted by the Latin American Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems (LALICS), the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT) in Paraguay, and the Inter-American Development Bank, with co-sponsorship from UNIDO.

Focus on policymaking capacities

Between 15-16 June, more than 25 Paraguayan government officials participated in a technical workshop that focused on industrial innovation as a driver of industrialization. The workshop, which was jointly organized by UNIDO and CONACYT, was part of UNIDO’s efforts to revamp its policy advisory services to support Member States in creating robust STI systems, with the ultimate goal of effectively addressing social, economic and environmental challenges and to foster sustainable, resilient and inclusive industrialization.

The workshop served to pilot a diagnostic tool developed by UNIDO in partnership with the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) of the Republic of Korea with a view to assessing countries’ readiness to leverage on innovation for industrial upgrading. Participants exchanged knowledge and shared their experiences, and engaged in the analysis of concrete innovation policy initiatives to advance Paraguay’s potential for industrial innovation.

At the opening session, Eduardo Felippo, Minister of CONACYT, highlighted ‘innovation from within’ in Paraguay’s pursuit of its own development path, setting the scene for the two-day discussion. He stated that innovation from within should be based on skilled human resources and that the training session would contribute to harnessing those capacities within the entities responsible for innovation policy. The Minister added that although the Paraguayan government is in the midst of a government transition, the focus would continue to remain on science and innovation, even after a new administration is established in the country.

Fostering interactions and mutual learning between different innovation system actors

UNIDO’s Fernando Santiago highlighted the building of research capacities on the economics of innovation in LAC. He delivered a presentation to postgraduate students who participated in the LALICS Master Academy on UNIDO’s work on policies to digitalize industry. The event, held from 15-18 June, was co-organized by CONACYT and the Paraguay Innovation Economy Network (REIP), with support from the National University of Asuncion (UNA), the American University (UA) and the German-Paraguayan University (UPA).

During the 2023 LALICS Seminar, UNIDO also hosted a round table to discuss the measures implemented within the scope of MiPIME COMPITE and their impact on the improvement of competitiveness of Paraguayan micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Vice Minister of MSMEs, Maximo Barreto, and international experts from UNIDO presented and reviewed the results of interventions targeted at improving the competitiveness and productivity of Paraguayan MSMEs, and linkages to innovation and the circular economy.

For any enquiries or for further information on the event, please contact

Fernando Santiago Rodriguez

Industrial Policy Officer, UNIDO

f.santiagorodriguez@unido.org