La ciencia en el desarrollo de América Latina

Authors

  • Amilcar O. Herrera

Abstract

The relative backwardness of Latin America with respect to developed countries is known in everything that refers to scientific and technological research. Most of the scientific research being done bears little relation to the most pressing needs of the region. Basic research carried out in the region takes place mainly at universities or institutes related to them or with state agencies. With rare exceptions, this research plans bear no relation to the needs of the industry or to the general problems of economic development in the region. What are the causes of scientific and technological backwardness in Latin America? It is obvious that the correct answer to this question is of fundamental importance, since it is the indispensable prerequisite for the planning of any policy that tends to overcome this delay.

Keywords:

Latin America, Underdevelopment, Science and Technology, Research, Economic Development

Author Biography

Amilcar O. Herrera

Fue profesor de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, y vicepresidente del Instituto Nacional de Geología y Minería de la República Argentina hasta 1966. Desde agosto de ese año es profesor investigador de la Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas de la Universidad de Chile. En este artículo expone algunas de las ideas que desarrollará en su libro a  publicarse por el Instituto de Estudios Internacionales, sobre una política científica para América latina.