The INNOVA project “PromotINg research MaNagement at Higher EducatiOn Institutions in BoliVia and Paraguay” held its final conference at the Bolivian Catholic University of San Pablo on 11 and 12 March 2024. The conference, on the theme of “Scientific research: a management approach, its strategic role in development and its contribution in the context of the climate crisis”, marked the conclusion of the project, which began in January 2021 and lasted 39 months.
The main objective of the INNOVA project was to improve research management in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Bolivia and Paraguay, with particular emphasis on addressing the challenges related to Climate Change.
INNOVA’s specific objectives included:
- Firstly, the development and consolidation of Research and Innovation policies in Bolivia and Paraguay, with a specific focus on Climate Change, to meet international standards.
- Secondly, the creation of an innovative forward-looking platform to guide the development of coordinated and sustainable policies in the field of research management in Bolivia and Paraguay, based on forward-looking methods.
The project brought together seven universities from Bolivia and Paraguay, together with the Ministry of Education of Bolivia and the Ministry of Education and Sciences of Paraguay, and two European partners, the University of Portucalense and the University of Alicante.
The main results of the INNOVA project include:
- The development of a guide to good practice in research management in Bolivian and Paraguayan universities, featuring successful case studies.
- The compilation of a guide presenting research and development policies at national level in both Bolivia and Paraguay.
- Publication of a Delphi Study report analysing future trends in climate change research, which is the central focus of the project.
- The modernisation and updating of Research and Development Units at the project’s partner universities, along with the revision and drafting of strategic plans and research policies.
- The establishment of a forward-looking platform offering periodic insights into climate change research trends, with the aim of assessing their impact in Latin America.
- The drafting of a White Paper focussing on research, development and innovation policies, offering clear recommendations for policymakers;
- The formation of the INNOVA Network, which is essential for sustaining the project’s impact in the future, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and strengthening relations with all stakeholders.
UPT was the leader of WP 1 “Needs analysis in Bolivia and Paraguay”, with the aim of identifying gaps in research management, and actively participated in carrying out training, organising study visits and supporting the design of research policies and strategies. This participation allowed UPT to take advantage of various opportunities, including the implementation of capacity-building projects in higher education, greater international visibility and the establishment of new partnerships with universities in Bolivia and Paraguay. The INNOVA project not only promoted the application of existing good research practices, but also inspired the creation of new ones, with the deep involvement of UPT lecturers and researchers in their implementation.
Stay tuned for more updates and reflections from the INNOVA Consortium to develop innovation and excellence in research management.
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