Young universities share particular challenges when it comes to research capacities: poor resource bases compared to that of traditional universities, they operate outside important research networks and national policy and funding mechanisms are usually unfavourable and tend to reinforce institutional imbalance. However, young institutions usually play an important role in their own local contexts and have the advantage of more dynamic and flexible structures, which favours the relationship with external actors, particularly those located in the same region.I2LATAM will focus on the development of R&I capacities in young Latin American HEIs, through the generation of knowledge-sharing spaces to stimulate the relationship with key regional socio-economic actors. The quality, size of the consortium and the participation of four of the largest countries in Latin America (Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Argentina) give this project a unique reach and impact portential.The project will result in the development of tools and methodologies to systematically map and match institutional capacities with regional opportunities, as well as in the creation/reinforcing of knowledge-sharing spaces, using succesful European models as example. Additionally, I2LATAM will develop R+D+I capacities in young researchers and R&I managers by launching an open access training package focused on key skills to promote regional and international collaboration. The ultimate goal of I2LATAM is to strengthen capacities for strategic management of research and innovation in Latin American young Universities by taking advantage of the potential local/regional impact, while fostering collaboration between Latin American and European HEIs for the development of innovative research initiatives and projects. In the long term, it is expected that the exchange of knowledge, experience and good management practices will contribute to the region's insertion in the global dynamics of research and innovation.
I2LATAM main objective was to enhance research and innovation capacities in Latin American universities by fostering collaborations with regional socioeconomic stakeholders. Aligned with national and institutional strategies, the project's objectives include identifying cooperation areas, establishing interaction spaces, developing interdisciplinary projects, transforming institutional attitudes towards R&D with the region, and enhancing research quality through training.
I2LATAM is a consortium of young HEIs from Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, and five EU partners, with the goal of enhancing institutional R&D management strategies. Latam partners were selected based on their institutional conditions and local impact. EU partners contribute diverse perspectives due to their regional experience and R&D capacities. The project promotes the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) for advancing research, regional engagement, and LATAM's growth.
<< Background >> I2LATAM is a consortium of young HEIs from Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, and five EU partners, with the goal of enhancing institutional R&D management strategies. Latam partners were selected based on their institutional conditions and local impact. EU partners contribute diverse perspectives due to their regional experience and R&D capacities. The project promotes the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) for advancing research, regional engagement, and LATAM's growth. << Objectives >> I2LATAM main objective was to enhance research and innovation capacities in Latin American universities by fostering collaborations with regional socioeconomic stakeholders. Aligned with national and institutional strategies, the project's objectives include identifying cooperation areas, establishing interaction spaces, developing interdisciplinary projects, transforming institutional attitudes towards R&D with the region, and enhancing research quality through training. << Implementation >> I2LATAM's WP1 focused on mapping institutional capacities linked to regional needs and opportunities; WP2 highlighted the use of Search Conference methodology and the model of knowledge-sharing spaces to engage with regional actors. WP3-5 focused on training and capacity building for developing R&I initiatives and for providing appropriate institutional support. WP 6-8 focused on quality, dissemination and exploitation, and project management to ensure the successful execution of the project. << Results >> I2LATAM consortium successfully achieved the project´s goals. The development of institutional strategies, research agendas, action plans to foster collaboration, organizational changes, and shared knowledge spaces aimed at promoting research and innovation in collaboration with regional actors, shifting from supply-driven to demand-driven research based on regional needs to ultimately strengthen research and innovation capacities in young Latin American universities.