Research and Development for Export

With CAF support and as part of the goal to promote value of knowledge generated by Uruguayan researchers, the Pando Science and Technology Park (PCTP) designed and implemented the Innovation Acceleration Model (IAM). This model streamlines processes under international standards, and has begun to be implemented together with Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando - Faculty of Chemistry, mainly in the areas of nanotechnology and biotechnology.

Thus, the PCTP incorporates services such as technology watch and competitive intelligence, as part of its innovation acceleration model, and has obtained a certification for its processes under standard UNE 166006 and UNE 166002. This certification is awarded by the Spanish Association for Standardization (AENOR), a leading entity in certification of management systems, and thus PCTP became the first Science-Technology park in Latin America to obtain such certification.

The main purpose of this model is to generate greater opportunities for the international promotion of the knowledge generated in the nation. This methodology and processes aim to define strategies, study the options to create value and differentiation in early stages, with relevant information for decision making at all stages of research, development and innovation projects.

It can also monitor the competition, the most important issues in the areas of research, and identify areas of opportunities. This model complements other tools in the country, and it is fundamental in the areas of knowledge in which PCTP is developing projects.

The closing ceremony of the project that led to the development of the model featured Fernando Amestoy, President of PCTP, Germán Ríos, CAF director-representative in Uruguay, and Gerardo Malvido, responsible for AENOR R&D certification.

Amestoy noted the importance of receiving such certification for the growth and progress of Uruguay.  “At PCTP we are proud of this accomplishment, which is a reflection of our great efforts to build new capacities, incorporate strategic technologies and increase specialized services in order for research and progress in these areas to have more chances of helping to improve key sectors for the nation’s industrial policy,” he said.

In addition, Ríos stressed the need to encourage and promote this kind of projects, which result in the increase of value added along the entire production chain.  “CAF conceives scientific and technological innovation as a key factor for economic growth and sustainable development. We are very pleased to support this initiative, as we are creating a positive impact on Uruguay’s productive matrix,” he said.

Maldivo said that “innovation is not achieved by chance. It is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. Making progress in certification is important, but the primary goal is to be in the same competitive condition as other countries. This is the first science complex to obtain this certification. This is an open, collaborative and inclusive project. We have addressed the information part, the intelligence plan and management, which is the driver of the project.”

PCTP is a professional entity whose Board of Directors is composed of representatives of the Faculty of Chemistry of Universidad de la República, Uruguay’s Chamber of Industries, Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining and the Municipality of Canelones.

It articulates public and private entities, a space for convergence of academia and the productive sector to transform the knowledge generated by Uruguayan scientists and researchers into economic and social value.

By accommodating various firms, the Khem company incubator and Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando in the same complex, it has favored the creation of new companies and innovative projects, creating highly qualified jobs, supporting training and development of talents, promoting diversification and adding value to the national productive matrix, with a focus on sectors associated with chemistry, biotechnology, nanotechnology and related areas.

At the same time, it maintains mutually beneficial relationships with clients based on best practices, in an attempt to establish competitive positions in the national and regional industry.