R&D as a key element for better competitiveness

By Mayora IP

Guatemala’s National Competitiveness Program (Pronacom, for its Spanish acronym) signed a cooperation agreement with the National Secretariat of Science and Technology (Senacyt, for its Spanish acronym) to promote scientific research and development in technological and innovation processes that contribute to the country's competitiveness.

"In Guatemala, the business sector, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, has a great impact on the national economy as its main source of employment generation and sustainability. However, the sector has weaknesses such as its low innovation and use of technology”, the Pronacom stated on a press release announcing the agreement. "This new alliance will allow the identification of programs, projects and activities that may qualify for public and private funds, and obtain support and technical assistance for structuring and requesting financing”, it added.

Following guidelines from the World Economic Forum, Guatemala looks to improve its adoption of information and communication technologies as a key element for better competitiveness. The country has designed its 2018-2032 National Competitiveness Policy to allocate in the long term resources to research and development, generation of new technologies, innovation processes, products and ideas that provide added value to the national industry and generate a sustainable economic development.