Innovation systems in Central America and their relationship with the regional integration process

Abstract

Introduction. This article analyses the Innovation System in Central America, its current situation, the relationship between the regional innovation system and the local ones of each of the countries, and finally, establish possible lines of action for its development. Methods. Literature review. Body. The article analyzes the entire integration process from its beginnings, including the two great milestones in the process, the Central American common market of the sixties and later, the one initiated with the Tegucigalpa Protocol. Furthermore, it analyzes the innovation systems at the local and regional level; the Central American, from SICA to the different national institutions in each country. It also analyzes the challenges of the system, especially the economic model, investment in R&D and innovation management in patents. Conclusion. A series of proposals is presented for the future, such as, among others, prioritizing good practices from the region towards the rest, developing systemic policies at a legal and institutional level, adjusting innovation to local reality, greater coordination between different actors, developing networks of researchers, establishing strategies for the private sector or increase financing for innovation.