Location

McGhee Library, ICC 301

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

8:15 AM-9:00 AM
Arrival, Registration, and Breakfast

9:00 AM-9:10 AM

Welcome Remarks and Keynote Introductions

Prof. Dean Hellman, Dean of the School of Foreign Service (SFS), Georgetown University

Prof. Joanna Lewis, Director of Science, Technology, and International Affairs (STIA) at SFS-GU

9:10 AM-9:20 AM

Workshop Introductory Remarks

Welcome and discussion led by Jorge Huete

9:20 AM-10:30 AM

Introductions

Workshop speakers will briefly introduce themselves and spend around five minutes sharing their interests in STI policies and National Innovation Systems as well as other related experiences in Central America or elsewhere.

10:30 AM-10:45 AM

Networking Break

10:45 AM-11:15 AM

Keynote Presentation

An Inside Look at Stakeholder Views on STI and NIS in Central America -  Jorge A. Huete-Pérez

11:15 AM-12:30 PM

FORUM: An Inside Look at Stakeholder Views on STI and NIS in Central America

Moderator: Dr. Alma Hernández Mondragón

Panelists: José M. Natera, National Autonomous University, Mexico and Harold O.M. Rocha

12:30 PM-2:00 PM

Lunch

2:00 PM-3:30 PM

Session I – Is Central America Prepared for Rebuilding Their Innovation Systems? 

Moderator: Juan Luis Manfredi, Prince of Asturias Distinguished Visiting Professor, Georgetown University

Panel Description: Overcoming Structural Challenges for STI Development in Central America.

This panel brings together experts to address the challenges faced by the least developed countries in the Latin American region, offering valuable insights and strategies for fostering sustainable STI development. The panel opens avenues for comprehensive discussions on the reality of Central America and offers actionable insights for promoting sustainable STI development. Through collaboration, evolution of research practices, and addressing structural challenges, the panel aims to unleash the potential of Central America in the realm of science, technology, and innovation.

 Panel Presentations:

“Autocracy, Populism, and Development”. Prof. Douglas S. Massey, Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs, Princeton University.

With the end of the Cold War in the late 20th century, many observers argued that ideological conflict had given way to a new global consensus that market economics, liberal democracy, and investments in health and education would lead humanity into an ever more affluent and peaceful future. Instead, the first decades of the 21st century have been marked by the rise of nationalist populism, a retreat from globalization, waning support for democratic rule, and skepticism toward science and technology. In this talk I will draw on national indicators to trace the rise and fall of Venezuela as a case study in how a rich immigrant-receiving democracy linked to the global knowledge economy can quickly transform itself into an impoverished autocracy of failed institutions and mass emigration that is shedding its highest skilled and most educated workers. Drawing on the same set of indicators, I will then assess the trajectories of nations in Central America to consider their prospects for creating a post-industrial knowledge economy capable of advancing science and innovation.

“Indigenous Environmental Defenders and the Power of Human Rights in Central America”. María Luisa Acosta, University of Central America.

This presentation highlights the crucial role of indigenous environmental defenders in Central America. They champion sustainability, protect vital ecosystems, and provide essential data for scientific research. Despite their significance, they face underreported risks due to fear and mischaracterization of crimes. We explore the challenges they encounter and stress the responsibility of states under human rights law.

“Collaborative, international social science research in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala: lessons learned from university partnerships 2015-2023”. Prof. Serena Cosgrove, International Studies, Seattle University.

This presentation will explore the experiences and lessons learned from collaborative social science research projects conducted in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The focus will be on university partnerships and their impact on scientific advancements. By sharing successful collaboration models and strategies, the speaker will shed light on the transformative potential of collaborative research initiatives for STI development in Central America.

3:30 PM-4:00 PM

 Networking Break

4:00 PM-6:00 PM

Session II: “The Evolving Role of STI Policies in Latin America and Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists”.

Moderator: Celia Laskowski, USAID

Speakers: José Miguel Natera, Alma Hernández Mondragón, Luz Cumba Garcia

Panel Description: An insightful panel discussion that delves into the evolving role of science, technology, and innovation policies (STIP) in Latin America. It will explore the challenges and opportunities of leveraging STIP to collaboratively address complex national problems, emphasizing the crucial need for analytical frameworks that inform policy-making processes in this context. The panel will focus on empowering the new generations of scientists, highlighting the unique opportunities available to higher education institutions to equip young scientists with essential tools such as the science-policy interface, science advice, and science diplomacy. Speakers will share their experiences in developing curricular content in these areas and discuss how these advancements can revolutionize the impact of science on society. Furthermore, we will delve into the possibilities of strengthening the relationship between scientists and policymakers, driving effective and society-centered STI policies. We will explore the untapped potential of STIP in addressing national problems and empowering future scientists to shape a transformative future, where the convergence of science and policy uplifts society as a whole.

Panel Presentations:

“Science, Technology and Innovation Policy to collaborate with national problems in Latin America”.  Dr. José Miguel Natera, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico.

Science, technology, and innovation policies (STIP) have traditionally focused on addressing issues such as increasing productivity, diversifying the productive matrix, achieving technological independence, strengthening domestic capabilities, and generating new productive sectors. These policies have historically been closely linked to the configuration of national science, technology, and innovation systems and their potential to drive social and economic development. However, as the focus shifts towards collaborating on solving national problems, new demands arise that challenge existing STIP frameworks. National problems are characterized by their high complexity, as they require coordination among social groups, economic sectors, political agents, and the academic sector. These problems involve unexplored multidimensional interactions where issues, controversies, and solutions are intertwined. In Latin America, STIP initiatives must confront conditions of institutional fragility and instability, while also drawing upon the region's long-standing tradition of capability formation over the past 50 years. In this discussion, we will explore current alternatives for leveraging STIP to address national problems and emphasize the need to develop more suitable analytical frameworks that can inform policy-making processes.

"Expanding Horizons: Empowering the New Generations of Scientists for a Better Future." Dr. Alma Hernández Mondragón, CINVESTAV, Mexico.

In this talk, we will explore the opportunities that higher education institutions have to empower the new generations of scientists with additional tools that were not available to us (including young scientists) during our traditional training. We will focus on three key areas: the functioning of the science-policy interface, science advice, and science diplomacy. Specifically, we will discuss the experience of our center in Mexico over the past four years in developing curricular content in these areas. We will delve into the opportunities presented by this new paradigm. From strengthening the relationship between scientists and policymakers to driving more effective and society-centered STI policies, we have the potential to radically transform how science impacts our future. Furthermore, we will discuss how we can further improve our STI policies and leverage these opportunities to build a more informed and science-engaged society.  Let's explore together the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead, and how we can contribute to paving the way for a future where science and policy unite to drive truly transformative progress.

“Empowering scientists to shape effective policymaking”. Dr. Luz Cumba Garcia. Scientists have the unique opportunity of influencing the evidence-based policymaking process. However, trained scientists, especially early-career scientists, often don’t engage in policymaking at the local and international levels due to limited awareness of available opportunities and resources for engagement. Central to the discussion will be the significance of outreach in the third sector, including voluntary organizations such as the Science Diplomacy Network in Latin America and the Caribbean and the Puerto Rico Science Policy Action Network. These entities serve as intermediaries, translating complex scientific insights into understandable information for decision-makers and fostering connections between scientists, diplomatic communities, civil society, and policymakers. The session will also emphasize the transformative impact of science policy and science diplomacy fellowships such as the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF) and the IAI Science, Technology, and Policy (STeP) Science Diplomacy Fellowship. These fellowships provide scientists with immersive experiences in the policymaking process, enabling them to contribute their expertise effectively. Ultimately, the goal is to showcase how scientists' involvement in policymaking can address societal challenges and benefit communities. By sharing success stories and practical advice, the session aims to inspire and equip early-career scientists to engage meaningfully in shaping policies that drive positive change. 

6:30 PM-8:00 PM

 Dinner at Mai Thai in Georgetown

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

8:15 AM-9:00 AM  

Breakfast

9:00 AM-10:30 AM

Session III – "Perspectives of the International Scientific Societies and Funding Institutions" 

Moderator: Dr. John Boright, Executive Director, International Affairs US National Academy of Sciences

Speakers: Prof. Fanor Mondragón Pérez, Nadia de León Porter, Emilio Hernández

Panel Description: This panel discussion aims to present the vision and insights of various international scientific societies, academies of sciences and funding institutions regarding STI policy development in Central America. Recognizing the challenges faced by the least developed countries in the region, the panel will explore the role of these organizations in supporting and promoting scientific advancements, innovation systems, and sustainable development in Central America. By sharing their experiences, best practices, and recommendations, panelists will provide valuable perspectives on how international scientific societies and funding institutions can contribute to the evaluation, renovation, and fostering of STI institutions and innovation systems in Central America. The discussion will shed light on potential collaborations, funding opportunities, and strategies to address the region's unique challenges, ultimately fostering sustainable growth and improving living standards.

Panel Presentations:

“XXI Century Challenges in science and technology in Colombia”. Prof. Fanor Mondragón Pérez, Colombian Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences (ACCEFYN). 

Investment in science and technology by countries has a direct impact in society, particularly in the wellbeing of their citizens which is reaches mainly through the generation of qualified employment, as well as actions to protect the environment. The Colombian Academy of science has been instrumental in the construction of several Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy documents called “CONPES” working closely with government representatives. It was also key in the creation of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the proposal for an International Mission of 42 leading scientists who worked on STI guidelines for the next 30 years, to transform Colombia in a “society based on knowledge”. However, investment in STI continues to be meager, with only 0.29 of the GDP or roughly equivalent to US$16 per capita, a figure that is very far from the US$1866 per capita that the US invest in STI. Reasons for this and the challenges that Colombia will face in the future will be discussed in this presentation.

“The Global State of Young Scientists Project (GloSYS)”. Nadia de León Porter, GYA, Panama. This project is being conducted by the Global Young Academy (GYA) to understand the conditions experienced by early career researchers (ECRs) around the world and to inform evidence-based policy development. Previous studies have been completed in Asia and Africa, and research is now being conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), focusing on the education, experiences, decisions, aspirations, and constraints that shape ECRs careers.To date, the GYA has completed a first phase of literature review and interviews, producing two interim reports. Results of these interviews are guiding the adaptation of the survey instrument that was used in Asia and Africa, and a pilot. This work along with an up long pilot is being carried out with the support of the Centro de Investigación Educativa de Panamá. This survey will address both the individual attributes and concerns of ECRs as well as the contextual factors that shape their careers and will be carried out in at least 6 focus countries: Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala and Panama, seeking a sample of at least 1,000 ECRs by networking with young academies, universities, science organizations, and other entities in the region.

 “Addressing Food Security Challenges in Central America: Unlocking Technological Innovations for Sustainable and Inclusive Agri-food Systems”. Dr. Emilio Hernández, CGAP. It is recognized that technological innovation in agri-food systems is required to respond simultaneously to the two most pressing issues facing the agricultural sector today: feeding a growing population, especially in low-income countries; and doing so in an environmentally sustainable way that is resilient to climate change. In this talk we unpack these challenges in the particular context of Central America, which includes some of the poorest countries in Latin America. We focus on the challenges to replicate innovations developed in high-income countries and the obstacles to the promotion of indigenous innovations that may be more adequate. We discuss the potential of various interventions that public and private sectors can take to unlock the required investments that generate and scale adequate innovations.

10:30 AM-11:00 AM

Networking Break

11:00 AM-12:50 PM

Session IV – Building Resilient Innovation Ecosystems: Promoting Sustainable Development in Central America

 Moderator:  Prof. Angelo Rivero Santos, Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS), Georgetown University

Speakers: Dr. Bernard Amadei, Prof. María Mercedes López Selva, Dr. Oscar Picardo Joao

Panel Description: This panel session will focus on the national and regional innovation ecosystems in Central America, exploring strategies to promote sustainable development through innovation and technology adaptation. Panelists will discuss various approaches employed by governments and start-ups, highlighting successful practices and proposals. They will address the challenges of structuring effective organizations at the national and local levels, prioritizing tasks, empowering individuals to engage in mission innovation, and securing sustainable funding. The session aims to generate insights and recommendations for strengthening innovation ecosystems and fostering resilient growth in Central America.

Panel Presentations:

“STI Education and Practice for Building Community Capacity and Resilience. Navigating the nexus between sustainability, peace, and climate security”. Dr. Bernard Amadei, University of Colorado. Capacity and resilience are two closely aligned concepts in human development and security. They both contribute to increasing the ability of communities to cope with and adapt to challenging and adverse perturbations that may affect systems the communities depend upon. A traditional approach to building capacity and resilience at the community scale is to address in a fragmented manner specific issues at play in institutional, socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructure systems that may prevent the delivery of adequate community services and meeting development goals. This compartmentalized approach, driven by a need to reach some form of satisfactory community equilibrium, fails to recognize the interactions and interconnectedness among community systems, which, if addressed, could solve multiple issues more effectively. It also does not account for the complex, adaptive, and dynamic nature of communities. A resilient community is more than just a collection of well-functioning silos. Decision makers and practitioners need to be trained to account for the dynamic and adaptive nature of communities when developing innovative capacity-building strategies and technologies toward strengthening the ability of communities to deliver services and deal with adverse events. A case study of small-scale community capacity assessment around wastewater and sewage treatment service published elsewhere is presented to illustrate the proposed approach.

“The unpaved road to develop science, technology and innovation in Guatemala”. María Mercedes López-Selva. Universidad Rafael Landívar, Guatemala. Science, technology and innovation are crucial to lead Central American countries towards sustainable development. Planning the route of how a country needs to proceed in terms of growth and sustainability should be central to the places that are at higher risk of facing difficult situations expected from climate change, such as the Central American isthmus. There are several challenges that Guatemala has to overcome in order to have stronger outcomes from STI that can contribute to adaptation and sustainability and it is no surprise that financing is one of them. However, there is a newer challenge that can be even harder to overcome if left unattended and it relates to the fast and changing upsurge of universities that in order to attract more students and have them graduate faster, they are reducing the importance of a strong scientific research formation and thus are producing professionals that are not prepared to contribute in the fields of our interest (STI).  Guatemala has gone from having 5 to an offer of 15 (and growing) universities in just a decade.  Besides the problem of graduating professionals with no capabilities of advancing science, the country loses talent that seeks stronger and higher degree opportunities, due to the scarcity of doctoral and postdoctoral programs. 

“Failed Public and Educational Policies in Central America: The Case of El Salvador and Its Impact on R&D Development”. Dr. Oscar Picardo Joao, Universidad Francisco Gavidia, El Salvador. The study presents data and evidence on the serious structural educational problems that hinder scientific development at the higher education level: Low educational quality, limited results in Mathematics, undignified teaching, short-term policies or governance, school dropout rates, limited laboratory infrastructure, commercialized university level, and low investment in public universities are some of the topics addressed. [Presentation by: Dr. Omar Isaac Asensio, School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology.]

 12:50 PM-1:00 PM

Closing Remarks: Prof. Jorge Huete

 1:00 PM-2:00 PM

Networking Lunch

6:30 PM-8:00 PM

 Dinner at Peacock