CONSTRUCTION OF INDICATORS OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IN NICARAGUA

Abstract

For the first time in Nicaragua, a formal and diaphanous effort is being made to break into the information and knowledge society. In 2010, the National Council for Science and technology (CONICYT) in collaboration with key actors from the Nicaraguan research and innovation systems defined the National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation, Nicaragua 2010-2013, which in one of its strategic programs concerns the development of a system of indicators for Science, Technology and Innovation, to guide policymaking and decision-making in science. CONICYT in collaboration with the National Council of Universities are implementing a study focused to the definition of a national system of indicators to provide reliable and updated information on Science, Technology and Innovation in Nicaragua. The systems will provide information on investment and spending on science and technology, the national scientific and technological offer, the impact of public expenditure on S & T and how this expenditure has resulted in goods and services to Nicaraguan society. The building process of the indicators has been completed through the use of various techniques and participatory methodologies, which have been implemented in stages. The stages include the development of a conceptual framework, formulation of indicators, preparation of a report and approval of the final report. The national system of indicators will be completed to the extent that the key actors of the national research and innovation system are interested in creating the system of indicators, this involves the analysis of the importance of the creation of indicator systems in light of their practical applicability, and the exchange of experiences with other countries in the region that have developed the process. It is necessary to create compromises between the various members of the research and innovation system to provide information and feed the system, to generate a software to manage the system, and train the staffs responsible for the systematic collection of information, the analysis, reporting, comparisons with other countries, scientometrics, innovation and public perception of the social impact of science and knowledge.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v13i21.1680