Region needs to invest in science and technology

Central America needs to be better in science and technology, according to a recent report (Spanish only) by the UN Economic Commission for Latin America.

Developed countries annually export high-tech products or services  valued at $2,000 or more per inhabitant.

In Latin America, only Mexico reaches that level.

Costa Rica exports $1,000 per inhabitant of high-tech products, while the rest of Latin America is below $500.

Investment in research and development generally goes hand-in-hand with the wealth of a nation, and with the quality of education in science and technology, says the commission.

Top countries in this regard include Finland, Israel, Japan and Korea, each of which spends at least 2 percent of of the value of national production on R&D.

A second level, which includes Norway, Spain and Brazil, invests between 1 and 2 percent of GDP.

A third group, which invests between 0.5 percent and 1 percent, includes Argentina, Costa Rica and Mexico.

All other Latin American countries are in the fourth and last segment, at under 0.5 percent.