Scientific and Technological Infrastructure in Chile: Proposals and Challenges

Abstract

Scientific infrastructure is key to sustaining a country's R&D capabilities. It is the basis for acquiring new competitive advantages and moving toward innovation-based productivity. Unfortunately, Chile has a deficit in infrastructure and equipment for the development of the experimental sciences. The article argues for prioritizing investment in new spaces for R&D and proposes new infrastructure —separate from the university system— geared to meeting the needs of industry and to the creation of science-based companies.