Venezuela proposes the use of free technologies and open science as innovation in Ibero-America - MPPRE

Venezuela proposes the use of free technologies and open science as innovation in Ibero-America

The vice-minister for Research and Application of Knowledge of the People’s Power Ministry for Science and Technology, Francisco Durán, has indicated that the Ibero-American peoples must commit to social innovation as a pillar to implement the necessary transformations aimed at strengthening the conditions of dignified life.

The Vice-minister emphasized, at the IV Meeting of Ibero-American Ministers and High Authorities of Science, Technology and Innovation (CTI), the need to take advantage of the paradigms of free technologies and open science to establish a more progressive conception of innovation, capable of responding to current challenges.

This appointment, held via telematics as part of the official calendar of the Ibero-American Conference and which is part of the preparatory process for the XXVII Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, whose motto is Innovation for Sustainable Development-2030 Goal. Ibero-America facing the challenge of the coronavirus, under the Pro Tempore Secretariat of Andorra, allowed to share the innovation strategies applied in the Venezuelan territory.

Community innovation in the face of siege

Durán explained that innovation in Venezuela has a communal character, with a decolonial and sovereign vision. “The context presented by the pandemic has taught us about the need for national science, technology and innovation systems to be protected.”

He also said that the economic-financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States of America adds another edge to the difficulties offered by COVID-19, since it hinders access to sources of financing and resources necessary to combat the pandemic and sustain the operation of the national STI system in favor of life.

Participation in innovation scenarios

The Venezuelan Vice-minister mentioned that, from this point of view, the government of President Nicolás Maduro has emphasized the participation of all social sectors, especially women and young people, in productive processes, research and technological innovation.

Likewise, he alluded to the use that Venezuela makes of images, from the Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities (ABAE) with the Miranda and Sucre satellites, for the generation of agricultural thematic maps that guide small, medium and large farmers, for decision-making in crop management.

The Venezuelan representative said that the experiences with the Scientific-Peasant Alliance and precision agriculture based on satellite technology describe “social innovation as a public and common good aimed at solving local problems and challenges.”

Learning in the territories

The Vice-minister highlighted one of the lessons learned in times of pandemic and under the imperial blockade: the need for free knowledge and technologies as a fundamental factor of innovation for the well-being of the peoples.

He celebrated that the meeting of the Ibero-American region today focuses on social challenges and objectives, and expressed the willingness and commitment of Venezuela to contribute to any regional or global initiative that seeks to transform the conditions of inequality imposed by the current civilizational model.