O INVENTAMOS O ERRAMOS - THE POWER OF SCIENCE IN LATIN-AMERICA

This paper examines the development of the S&T research agenda in Latin America from the 1940s to the 1970s, the recent changes in the international context, and their implications for current thinking on the role of endogenous scientific capabilities in development. National experiences from Argentina, Brazil and Mexico illustrate some of the strengths and weaknesses in the region's research capabilities. Problems posed in specific areas of application (agriculture and mining) and the current condition of universities in the region highlight the difficulties in dealing with political and institutional realities. The achievements of the 1960s and 1970s in building up research capabilities were significant, but insufficient to radically alter the social and productive systems which are at stake today. © 1990.