Technologies for social inclusion in Latin America. Analysing opportunities and constraints; problems and solutions in Argentina and Brazil

Brazil and Argentina have managed to grow almost continuously since 2003 and to sustain partial improvements in a number of social indicators: poverty, unemployment, access to basic services, and primary education. At the same time, Argentina and Brazil have increased their R&D expenditure and set new priorities as regards training of human resources in Science and Technology. However, this scenario contrasts with the persisting inequality in income distribution, as well as with the persisting structural shortcomings (decent housing, transport, access to sanitation services, power and environmental problems, etc.). This contrast raise questions over the relation between S&T policy strategies and its effects on social inclusion: Are current welfare policies sufficient for eliminating social exclusion? Which role does Science and Technology policy play in solving social problems? And, more importantly: Is it possible to propose alternative social-inclusion strategies? Is it possible to turn locally generated scientific and technological knowledge into feasible solutions for the region? This paper will undertake a critical analysis of the strategies for fighting social exclusion currently applied in Latin America with regard to Science and Technology policy and the local production of technologies aimed at social inclusion.