The potential for inclusive growth in the region depends on its capacity to generate good quality employment.There are high expectations by regional Policy Makers on the potential of STI to trigger inclusive growth. However, we know very little on the transmission mechanisms and dynamics between innovation and job performance. Comparative research in four countries: Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica and Uruguay.
Results will help us to better understand a very complex phenomena (very little studied in the region) and to generate inputs for the design of public policies that maximize the employment generation impacts of innovation and at the same time mitigate its negative consequences.
Motivation
Our own work on the link between innovation and productivity research shows that the lack of innovation negatively affects productivity levels. How this affects labor market outcomes?.
However, we still lack knowledge on the relation between employment and innovation. Evidence from more developed countries or regions might not be applicable. Need to provide evidence for policy-making.
In Latin America the production structure is strongly dominated by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Indeed, SMEs’ innovation is strongly dominated by informal search routines and learning from already available knowledge and technologies.
Importance of assessing the effects on employment (level and composition). It is not only quantity what matters, but also quality.
Focus
This paper focuses on the (short term) link between innovation and employment. Based on national country studies performed by different research teams.
Coverage: Comparative research in four countries: Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica and Uruguay.
Novel features (as a project): Emphasis on SMEs, sectoral differences (low/high tech sectors). Extensions of the project during this session and following session. To further increase comparability and homogeneity among countries possibility to use Enterprise Surveys for LAC.
Gustavo Crespi and Ezequiel Tacsir. Science and Technology Division. IDB.
