The President of the Republic Michelle Bachelet received the final report (PDF format) of Comisión Ciencia para el Desarrollo de Chile. The group was formed by researchers at the Center for Mathematical Modeling of Universidad de Chile Servet Martínez and Rafael Correa alongside 33 prominent figures from other institutions. The commission aimed to generate public policies to transform science, technology and innovation, pillars for the country’s development. Consequently, one of the main recommendations of the document is the creation of a Ministry for Science and Technology.
“What was given is a fairly substantive document in different ways. It gives great importance to the structure needed by the institutions to do science with impact. Importance was given to the investment the State should do, key points in training, research in priority areas, etc.” explained Rafael Correa.
The committee defined five strategic focuses to convert science , technology and innovation in engines for the economic development by 2030 and thus become part of the cultural, social and economic life of Chileans: continuing the development of human capabilities and multidisciplinary teams in these areas; making efforts oriented to national priorities; provisioning technological development for the industry; generating an environment that will enhance a scientific culture, and the updating and strengthening of the institutional architecture for science.
“It is a very comprehensive document that covers issues from the point of view of social sciences, humanities, and culture. It is a document that says scientific culture must start being part of the Chilean culture, in the education of children. In that sense, it is very democratic,” stated Correa.
For the CMM researcher and director of the Centro de Investigación Avanzada en Educación (CIAE) a key proposal is the new ministry responsible for promoting science: “If we want an impact of science in the economic development, we must involve several ministries. Because of this, a ministry for Science to coordinate with the others ministries is absolutely necessary. For Conicyt, it is impossible to establish a coordination mechanism with powerful ministries, because the relationship must be between equals. Therefore, a ministry that really establishes coordination with sectorial ministries is crucial. We can not do anything if we do not involve the Ministry of Mining, Agriculture, etc. “
After receiving the report, President Bachelet announced some immediate measures: she transfered Iniciativa Milenio to Conicyt and required to Consejo Nacional de Innovación para el Desarrollo (CNID) the development of agendas for research, development and innovation in matters of Waters as well as a Natural Disasters Prevention and Management. This council led a similar initiative for the Mining sector, a committee where CMM researchers worked too. The Ministries of Culture, Education and Economy, meanwhile, will start the implementation of a joint program to encourage the appreciation of science and innovation.
