TO THE EDITOR:
Chile’s recent rise to 51st place in the Global Innovation Index 2024 invites us to reflect on our role as a benchmark in Latin America. This achievement highlights not only the improvement of the business ecosystem and the country’s ability to attract talent, but also its potential to become an innovation hub.
However, challenges remain that prevent us from maximizing that potential. One of the critical issues is the low investment in Research and Development (0.39% of GDP) compared with the OECD standard, especially in science- and technology-based entrepreneurship. Although there are standouts, such as our first unicorns (NotCo and Betterfly), which have had a global impact, the vast majority of ventures lack the financial support and infrastructure needed to scale their projects.
We have the opportunity and the talent to lead innovation in Latin America. The challenge now is not just to celebrate this ranking. We must work to ensure the trend continues and deepens, securing sustainable growth based on knowledge, science and innovation.
Óscar Astudillo
Innovation coordinator, Know Hub Chile
Read the original column here https://portal.nexnews.cl/showN?valor=23dt27
