INNOVATION CLUSTERS IN LATIN AMERICA

Because innovation clusters are important indeveloped countries, this research seeks to understand the role that suchclusters play in developing countries, specifically in Latin America.Thethree objectives of this research are to (1) define innovation clusters forLatin America, (2) create a model of innovation clusters using this definition,and (3) examine where innovation clusters already exist in Latin America andhow these are performing. Data are drawn from a variety of projects and programs sponsored by theCanadian International Development Research Centre (IRDC), includingfeasibility studies, an electronic conference, a workshop, and literatureresearch.Field studies were conducted in Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica,Uruguay, and Mexico.In developing the innovation cluster model, anumber of elements are utilized, including knowledge inputs, financing, andsupportive social climate.The results of this analysis are verypreliminary, as the data available are fragmented and represent only a subsetof the countries in Latin America. No mature innovation clusters appear to exist in Latin America.Despitethis, Latin America has the potential for becoming a haven for innovationclusters, as these countries are able to grow more firms and grow them fasterthan many other countries.Although social barriers may make it difficult,the research indicates that working with existing industrial clusters is one ofthe key strategies that should be employed in creating innovationclusters.Concepts for future research are proposed, taking into accountthe influence the World Wide Web and the Internet will likely have.(SRD)