Conclusions

In summary the research and consultations undertaken for this study identified three major findings. First, economic conditions in Latin America are improving and a sense of awakening to the market can be discerned in Western Canada. Second, science and technology is a cornerstone of re-engagement efforts. Third, the Western Canadian innovation clusters sampled have minimal interaction with interests in the study area, but there are cases where potential is recognized, and there is increasing interest.

The study underlines that the Government of Canada is serious about re-engagement in Latin America. The consultants encountered many federal departments engaging in activities supportive of Canada's re-engagement strategy. Much of the re-engagement effort relates to stronger science and technology ties and related technology commercialization. WD's core competence in supporting development of innovation clusters can be very relevant to this important new direction of the Government of Canada.

WD can contribute best to re-engagement by working with innovation clusters to explore relationship building with Latin America. Western Canada's universities and community colleges could support the department and the innovation clusters in this objective.

Further efforts to consult Western Canada's innovation clusters with respect to prospects for Latin American partnerships is an appropriate next step for WD to consider in response to Canada's re-engagement strategy. Research to better understand capabilities of innovation clusters and analysis of the alignment between specific LAC markets and Western Canadian capabilities can be important supportive elements.

It should be acknowledged that there is little emphasis on Latin America at the National Research Council. While Canada does have special S&T linkages with Chile and Brazil, the MOU with Chile is unfunded and the nearly completed agreement with Brazil will provide only a few million dollars. DFAIT's Science and Technology Division cautions that substantial partnership development may be premature in that outside intellectual property is very much at risk in Latin America, where the immediate public good trumps corporate interests.

In the further development of initiatives relating to innovation clusters, it is recommended that WD develop strong relationships with the National Research Council and with DFAIT's Science and Technology Division. The Division leads Canada's Global Innovation Strategy, which, in LAC, identifies Brazil and Chile as priority countries. Priority sectors in the Strategy are environmental science and technologies, natural resources and energy, health and related life sciences, and information and communication technologies.

Given their understanding of the department's mandate and priorities, the consultants are of the view that WD should not become substantially involved in directly supporting individual companies in market development activity in Latin America. Rather, attention to innovation clusters and activities to enhance partnership development and other actions recommended in this report, if successful, will trickle down with eventual spin-offs to the related business communities in Western Canada.