On August 29, 2016 the 2nd Scientific Congress at the Autonomous University of Chiriqu (UNACHI) in Panama highlighted research advancements in natural sciences, public health, agriculture, and technology in Panama and Latin America. The week-long conference highlighted the rapid development of research culture at UNACHI, established in 1995 as Panama's third largest university.
Adrian Erlinger, manager of innovation programs at American Councils for International Education, discussed university-based innovation models and technology parks during a keynote presentation delivered to more than 300 students, faculty, researchers, and international experts. Erlinger compared the innovation ecosystem to a rainforest which is a living system with special characteristics, species diversity, and bottom-up growth and the university as the hub of this activity.
"International scientific and innovation exchange is a new paradigm to solve global challenges, such as energy, healthcare, water, and agriculture," said Erlinger. "International university collaborations are essential to unlock the potential of global talent, in both the United States and in Panama."
With a high mobile penetration rate and advanced physical infrastructure, the World Economic Forum ranks Panama the second-most competitive economy in Latin America and the Caribbean. Panama has prioritized the rapid development of innovation policy with universities playing a critical role in the development of talent, regional and indigenous communities, and science's role in advancing society.
"We are committed to creating strong links with the community and our researchers looking for solutions to social, economic, and health problems across Chiriqu ," said Etelvina de Bonagas, Rector of the Autonomous University of Chiriqu at the conference's convocation.
As a demonstration of its commitment to innovation, UNACHI recently broke ground on the construction of a 4,035 square-meter Science Park for research, development, and innovation. This technopark, to be inaugurated in late 2015, will house laboratories, an auditorium, administrative offices, and open space for high-level training. This flagship initiative part of Panama's National Strategic Plan for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation aims to strengthen connections between academia, business, government, and society for the Chiriqu region.
Dr. Roger Sanchez, Vice Rector for Research and Graduate Studies at UNACHI, emphasized the role of research and innovation at the university, which serves as the backbone of its mission to raise the spirit of creativity to foster innovative products, intellectual property within the university setting, and technology-focused training for both professors and students.
In February 2016, eleven public and private Panamanian universities, with the support of the Ministry of Education and LASPAU (affiliated with Harvard University), launched the Panama STEM Project, an initiative to strengthen the teaching, learning, and competitiveness of natural science, technology, mathematics, and engineering. American Councils for International Education has partnered with LASPAU to further develop technology parks, research commercialization, and innovation working with UNACHI and other universities to develop a framework for best practices, international collaboration, and education quality enhancement.
About Academic and Professional Programs for the Americas (LASPAU)
Academic and Professional Programs for the Americas (LASPAU) is a nonprofit organization affiliated with Harvard University and governed by an independent board of trustees. LASPAU designs and implements academic and professional programs that promote sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean by strengthening higher education, building human and institutional capacity, and fostering academic innovation. Visit www.laspau.harvard.edu.
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Autonomous University of Chiriqu (UNACHI)
American Councils Innovation Services