Science and technology policy and S&T indicators: trends in Latin America

Starting from evidence that Latin American science and technology policy (STP) is undergoing a transformation, current conditions are analyzed to establish a counterpoint between the STP/indicator interface in advanced countries and in Latin America. Based on introducing in the decision-making agenda a scenario of economic democratization and the satisfaction of social demands, some of the implications of such a transformation in STP for S&T indicators are suggested. The analysis shows that the available indicators are not relevant in shaping STP in advanced countries. It then demonstrates how the institutional supply-oriented model, the structural factors of S&T development and the poor relationship between the social actors responsible for its direction, have given rise to a situation of even greater inadequacy in Latin America. To satisfy the new scenario some suggestions are made for the work required with regard to indicators. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.