A leading figure in innovation policy, Mexican researcher analyzes structural constraints and pathways for increasing the region’s scientific prominence
“New generations bring new ideas, but they need to engage in dialogue with more experienced researchers,” says Gabriela Dutrénit, professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana and researcher emeritus in the National System of Researchers in Mexico | Image: Caro Zapa/Wikimedia Commons
“New generations bring new ideas, but they need to engage in dialogue with more experienced researchers. Creating more inclusive spaces is essential for strengthening the scientific system,” states economist Gabriela Dutrénit, a professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) and a member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences.
A leading figure in research on science, technology, and innovation policy in Latin America, Dutrénit is one of the lead authors of the UNESCO Science Report: The Race Against Time for Smarter Development, published in 2021 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The report, considered one of the leading global references on trends in science and innovation, provided an important assessment for the region: between 2014 and 2018, research & development investment fell by 7% in Latin America, contrary to global growth trends, with a 15% decline in funding per researcher.
“Spending on R&D as a proportion of GDP is low and historically insufficient in the region. Nevertheless, scientific output is growing, demonstrating the commitment of Latin America’s scientific community,” said the researcher in an exclusive interview with Science Arena.
With a career dedicated to the economics of innovation and science policy, Dutrénit (born in Uruguay, but naturalized in Mexico) is also a member of the scientific committee of GLOBELICS, an international network focused on the study of innovation in developing countries.
Among other topics, her work analyzes the structural constraints of Latin American scientific systems and possible pathways for expanding their global integration.
The themes discussed by the researcher align directly with the agenda of the event Voices of Latin American Science, promoted by Einstein Hospital Israelita and scheduled for May 06, 2026, in São Paulo.
This encounter will bring together scientific leaders from across the continent to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of scientific output in the region, with a focus on cooperation, funding, and the development of strategic capacities.
Although not participating in the event, Dutrénit’s analysis helps contextualize the debates proposed by the meeting, offering an overview of recent transformations of Latin American science and the challenges that still limit its global prominence.
In an interview with Science Arena, the researcher discusses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on science and innovation systems, the obstacles to public and private funding, and the region’s outlook against a backdrop of accelerated geopolitical and technological changes.
Gabriela Dutrénit – Science in Latin America had already shown significant advances in the early twentieth century, especially in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. Argentina underwent substantial development until the Second World War [1939–1945], particularly in the nuclear field, while Brazil advanced more slowly at first, but later accelerated and surpassed other countries. Mexico also stood out in fields such as pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and agricultural sciences.
The creation of graduate programs between the 1960s and 1980s strongly boosted research, although it should be emphasized that there is no single Latin America, but rather distinct realities, with larger countries advancing more rapidly than smaller ones.
The central issue remains investment. Spending on R&D as a proportion of GDP [Gross Domestic Product] is low and historically insufficient.
Nevertheless, scientific output is growing, demonstrating the commitment of Latin America’s scientific community, although its global share remains limited, with Brazil contributing just over 2% and Mexico about 0.7%.
The pandemic exposed structural weaknesses, especially dependence on developed countries for access to vaccines and medical supplies. Despite initiatives in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, there was a lack of consistent coordination and support.
The main lesson [from the COVID-19 pandemic] is the need to develop domestic capabilities in strategic areas, primarily in the life sciences, ensuring a minimum degree of autonomy in critical sectors.
Latin America maintains global relevance through its markets, resources, and human capital, but with dynamics that differ between countries.
Mexico is more integrated into the North American market, while Brazil and Argentina follow different paths. International integration could be strengthened through more public investment and the role of multinational companies in the region, which create links with universities and research centers by investing in innovation.
Cooperation exists, but is still concentrated in core countries, especially the United States, due to the availability of resources.
Despite the potential, collaboration among Latin American countries remains limited, particularly in areas such as medicine, the environment, climate change, and infectious diseases. The main challenge continues to be funding to enable large-scale collaborative projects.
There are positive signs of rapprochement among Latin American countries, with opportunities for cooperation in strategic areas that could generate scientific, technological, and economic benefits.
Without a doubt. Between 60% and 80% of funding comes from the public sector, while the private sector contributes little. A strategic vision recognizing the role of science, technology, and innovation in economic development is lacking, as is better coordination and concentration of investments.
Scientific output is expected to continue growing, but slowly, without significant changes in its global positioning. Areas such as climate change, infectious diseases, and digital transformation are expected to gain prominence, along with advances in artificial intelligence.
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