This book examines the implementation of science, technology and innovation (STI) policy in eight Latin American countries and the different paths these policies have taken. It provides empirical evidence to examine the extent to which STI policies are contributing to the development of the region, as well as to the solution of market failures and the stimulus of the region’s innovation systems. Since the pioneering work of Solow (1957), it has been recognized that innovation is critical for economic growth both in developed and in less-developed countries. Unfortunately Latin America lags behind world trends, and although over the last 20 years the region has established a more stable and certain macroeconomic regime, it is also clear that these changes have not been enough to trigger a process of innovation and productivity to catch-up. Against this rather grim scenario there is some optimism emerging throughout the region. After many years of inaction the region has begun to invest in science, technology and engineering once again. Furthermore, after many changes in innovation policy frameworks, there is now an emerging consensus on the need for a solution to coordination failures that hinder the interaction between supply and demand. Offering an informative and analytic insight into STI policymaking within Latin America, this book can be used by students, researchers and practitioners who are interested in the design and implementation of innovation policies. This book also intends to encourage discussion and collaboration amongst current policy makers within the region.

The private sector is playing an increasingly important role in the funding of scientific research. As public sector research declines in the countries of the north and the south, research and development carried out by the private sector becomes more important for innovations that have economic potential. In some cases networks between local firms and multinationals can support learning which leads to economic growth. What are the policies which support such partnerships and what are the institutional arrangements that foster research? Seven case studies from Argentina, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Tanzania, Peru, the Philippines and Vietnam examine how policies have been developed and implemented to encourage innovation.

High inflation, rising unemployment, and deteriorating inequalities are among the biggest problems facing the globe. Inflation and unemployment exert an upward influence on income inequality and reinforces social inequality. Given that ascending inflation disproportionately impacts individuals with limited financial means, the sharp increase in energy prices, which has also pushed up food prices during 2022-2023, has hit poorer households particularly hard. Inflationary pressures are gradually easing, but core inflation remains elevated and more stubborn than expected. Bitter and bloody wars in Ukraine since February 2022 and the Gaza Strip since October 2023 have cost many lives and devastated many others. The rising geopolitical tensions, and tighter monetary policy are likely to have negative effects on global trade and there is a high risk of rising unemployment and worsening inequalities both within and between countries. This edited book looks for solutions to the problems of inflation, employment, and inequality.

The Emerald Handbook of Entrepreneurship in Latin America presents a detailed and extensive review of the most relevant literature published in Latin America, critically analysing and exposing historical processes along with emerging debates, suggesting future paths for its entrepreneurship ecosystems, agents, sectors and regions.

Originally published in 1993, this book contains 3 studies from Latin America: Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. These studies bring out sharply the processes at work in Latin America between 1950 and 1980, which were responsible for the crisis that the continent faced in the 1980s. In each case there was a striking failure in building up national technological capability so that the country could grapple with the problems it faced.