Science, technology and innovation policies looking backwards, forwards and beyond: Developmental challenges and opportunities for ibero-america in the era of covid-19

Abstract

This article explores challenges and opportunities for science, technology and innovation (STI) policy in Ibero-America related to the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming a new multidirectional approach that combines two key dimensions: (i) transversality, for national innovation systems (NIS) integration with other subsystems; and (ii) coordination of STI across national and international spaces. Departing from the situation of the region, the sanitary and economic crisis, and the evolution of NIS and policy rationale, we propose some guidelines for a new STI policy agenda based on the region’s challenges ahead and the need for mechanisms of coordination.