CAF promotes the generation of patentable technological solutions

With the object of strengthening technological capacities and contribute to increase high technology exports from the region, CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, carried out a workshop in Bolivia on the first call for entry of the initiative to promote the presentation of concepts and the creation of patent incubators in the region, that contribute to sustainable development.  

This year the Institution launched the technological patents for development regional initiative, which seeks to promote personal or institutional presentations. Alvaro Atilano, CAF´s Principal Energy Executive expressed that "Latin America has all the potential to generate cutting edge patentable technology that contributes to sustainable development in the region and to a future increase in high technology exports, but there are barriers such as lack of information and lack of seed capital that hinder this process". 

In 2012, Asia presented 76,546 international patent applications, while Latin America and the Caribbean presented 1,288. In the case of Bolivia, Atilano pointed out that it is similar to most countries in the region, where there is a lag in obtaining patents and in applications. He stated that "CAF´s initiative fulfills the double role of training to start and innovate, and offer seed capital to finance patents that emerge from the call for entry". 

The regional challenge lies on training and increasing the introduction of new technological solutions which are versatile, efficient, and have a global vision. This task requires the participation of actors such as the State, universities, and industry, among others, allowing for an improvement of the innovation and generation of patents indices. 

For the first call for entry, at least 30 presentations of patentable technological concepts are expected. The call for entry will be open until December 5th. For more information: http://eventos.caf.com/patentes.