Content area
Abstract
This study identifies the role of higher education institutions in scientific and technological development in El Salvador. It examines the participation, cooperation, and coordination among those involved in this development in El Salvador--universities, industry, and government--and examines the monetary participation of international financial institutions and foreign countries. Because of the special situation in which El Salvador's higher education system has been involved the last twelve years, this study also examines the rationale for the establishment of private universities.
Interviews were held with one hundred fourteen subjects from a total of eighty-five institutions (including universities, industry, government agencies, and international organizations) that participated in the study.
The whole universe of higher education institutions was included in the study. Business institutions were chosen in cooperation with the Business Foundation for Educational Development (FEPADE) from a list of over 300 members from the Industrial Salvadoran Association (ASI). The selected institutions were required to have more than 100 employees and to be registered in areas where research and development projects are supposed to take place. The government agencies were selected based in their active participation on the Salvadoran economy. The international organizations were selected for their participation in scientific and technological development in Latin America.
The study findings indicate there is limited participation, cooperation, and coordination among those involved in scientific and technological development in El Salvador. And due to this lack of human and financial infrastructure, policy consideration, and legal framework, serious research and development has been limited in El Salvador during the last twelve years. But, however limited, a start has been made. International organizations have set strategies and priorities with government authorities in basic education, literacy programs, and technical education. Science and technology investment is being organized by the government with financing by the Inter-American Development Bank. A research and development agricultural investment project is being developed with the World Bank.
The study concludes that the challenge for promoting research and development in El Salvador is enormous for all those involved in scientific and technological development. The signing of the peace agreement by the government and the guerrilla forces holds out the hope of stable conditions, and the long road to participating in the scientific and technological race has just begun in El Salvador.
