Social determinants of science policy in Latin America

The incapacity of Latin American countries to use scientific and technological research as dynamic elements for social development is a consequence of the characteristics of the prevailing national projects (that is the model of society to which, directly or indirectly, the groups who until now have had political and economic power in most countries in the region have aspired). Unless these national plans are replaced by others which are more in accordance with the aspirations of the majority of the population, scientific research will continue to be no more than a cultural luxury for these societies. In recent years, however, several countries in Latin America have initiated revolutionary processes, which involve radical changes in national projects. The final break with a structure of underdevelopment in the countries of Latin America depends on the success of these movements, and on their effect on the rest of the region.