Vice-rectors of Research meet with state agencies to discuss science, technology and innovation

11/06/2014
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The meeting was held in the Council Hall of the Catholic University, attended by representatives of Corfo, the Ministry of Education, Conicyt and the Council for Innovation and Competitiveness.

About thirty vice-rectors and directors of research and postgraduate studies attended the meeting “Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation”, organized by the Council of Rectors and held in the Council Hall of the main building of the Catholic University of Chile.

The event provided an opportunity to discuss the country's challenges in these areas with prominent participants: Eduardo Bitrán, Vice President of the Production Development Corporation (CORFO); Francisco Martínez, Head of the Higher Education Division (DIVESUP) of the Ministry of Education; María Elena Boissier, Executive Director of the National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT); and Gonzalo Rivas, President of the National Innovation Council for Competitiveness (CNIC).

The first speaker was Eduardo Bitrán, who discussed the strategic areas for the country where universities have much to contribute to the development of advanced human capital. He praised the space for dialogue created by the universities and asserted that “a modern university is one committed to the development and problems of the country.”.

Next, Francisco Martínez spoke about the challenges facing the Ministry of Education in the context of the reform. Martínez reported on the creation of a Sub-Secretariat of Science and Technology, but emphasized that artistic creation and the contributions of the humanities cannot be excluded. He also explained the Ministry of Education's strategy for social participation in the reform: three bodies will be created—a social participation forum, a technical group, and a group in charge of policy.

María Elena Boisier, for her part, reported on the progress made by CONICYT in establishing its Advisory Council, which has been suspended since 1973. Seventeen people will participate in this council, including the Minister of Education and the Minister of Social Development, the President and Vice President of CONICYT, the Executive Director, a Deputy Executive Secretary, four representatives of the Presidency, three CONICYT Directors, and four Section Presidents.

The day concluded with a presentation by Gonzalo Rivas of CNIC, who first noted that this government will change the concept of "Competitiveness" to "Development" in the council's name, reflecting a shift towards linking science funding with addressing the country's major challenges. He indicated that among his organization's challenges are bridging the gap between the scientific community and those who shape the country's economic future, as well as fostering dialogue between the public sector and knowledge-generating institutions.