Science and Technology Policy and Social Ex/Inclusion. Analysing opportunities and constraints in Brazil and Argentina

HERNÁN THOMAS; MARIANO FRESSOLI; LUCAS BECERRA

Science and Public Policy

Oxford Journals

Año: 2012 p. 579 - 591

0302-3427

We undertake a critical analysis of the strategies for fighting social exclusion currently applied in Latin America, with regard to S&T policy and the local production of technologies oriented to social inclusion. We consider two of the most significant countries in terms of economic growth; increase in Research and Development investments; and poverty-reduction programs during the last decade: Brazil and Argentina. However, this scenario contrasts with the persisting inequality in income distribution, as well as with persisting structural shortcomings. After a review of the economic growth and S&T policy trends (and the unresolved problem of structural exclusion) we examine the inadequacy of local S&T agendas concerning population needs and the problems involved in the performance of currently available technologies for social inclusion. We end with an analytical-normative section related to strategic aspects of potential solutions to development and ex/inclusion issues.