JEFFERSON SCIENCE FELLOW PROMOTES S&T DIPLOMACY IN

UNCLAS BOGOTA 002020 SIPDIS SENSITIVE OES/STC FOR KDELAK; WHA/EPSC FOR FCOLON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON ETTC CO TSPL PGOV EINV KCIS SUBJECT: JEFFERSON SCIENCE FELLOW PROMOTES S&T DIPLOMACY IN COLOMBIA REF: BOGOTA 168 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Jefferson Science Fellow Tim DeVoogd visited Colombia June 8-12, exploring potential areas of bilateral Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) cooperation. He analyzed Colombia's STI system with federal and regional GOC stakeholders, leading universities and STI development institutions, offering policy and practical guidance on how to strengthen the system. His presentations were widely attended and covered in the media, highlighting the increased importance of STI in Colombia. The Director of Colombia's science agency (Colciencias) said the GOC realized that STI had to be a fundamental motor of Colombia's economy, noting that every potential 2010 presidential candidate has publicly highlighted its importance. GOC negotiators of the bilateral Science and Technology Agreement also emphasized their commitment to the agreement's completion. END SUMMARY. GOC Policy-Makers Request Guidance & Collaboration -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On June 8 DeVoogd discussed the strengths and weaknesses of Colombia's STI system with Colciencias Director Francisco Miranda, with both emphasizing the need for greater U.S.-Colombia cooperation. DeVoogd offered ideas -- e.g. the creation of a national research grants system, development of financial mechanisms to encourage master's and Phd students to return to Colombia, need for STI outreach to policy-makers, the development of tax policy to support research efforts in the private sector -- that Colciencias could implement to strengthen STI. Miranda stated that the GOC is increasing focus on STI as an economic motor, noting that for the first time in a pre-election period, every potential presidential candidate has made reference to STI policy. Miranda bemoaned the lack of an STI "lobby" to adequately discuss and advocate for these issues amongst the legislative branch. ¶3. (U) DeVoogd also met with the Science and Technology Agreement negotiators from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Environment. The GOC explained its position on the texts in dispute, with both parties conveying strong commitment to finalizing the negotiation in spite of difficulties. Leading Universities Welcome Visit -------------- ¶4. (U) DeVoogd met with members of Colombia's leading public and private research universities (i.e. Los Andes, Javeriana, Antioquia, Nacional, La Sabana, Rosario),giving presentations on his neurobiology research and the STI system in the U.S. Audiences enthusiastically received his presentations, requesting guidance on how to increase the number of academic exchanges and joint research with U.S. universities, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Health. They also asked about ways to diminish barriers to research operations such as reducing tariffs on goods associated with scientific activities, managing IPR in public-private-academic relationships, and developing mechanisms to incorporate the private sector into research activities. Outreach to STI Promotion Institutions and Media -------------- --- ¶5. (U) Colombia's leading STI development institutions -- Maloka, Parque Explora and the Colombian Association for the Advancement of Science -- also hosted events for DeVoogd and requested increased U.S. collaboration. DeVoogd discussed best practices in other Latin American countries and noted the importance of tangible linkages with the U.S. such as "Science Corners" and digital video conferences (DVCs) with U.S. universities and research institutions. DeVoogd's message was covered in both radio and print media, including leading Bogota daily "El Tiempo." Comment: How To Satisfy Growing STI Interest? -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Between 100-300 people attended the majority of DeVoogd's events, highlighting the increasing Colombian interest in U.S.-based STI entities and opportunities. Miranda views collaboration with the U.S. as vital, noting that over 85 percent of Colombia's Phd students travel abroad to study, and that Colombia's current STI infrastructure simply cannot support the growing interest. DeVoogd's visit positively demonstrated the rapidly growing public interest in STI, but also highlighted GOC deficits in locally addressing that demand. Miranda noted that Colciencias -- the only federal entity mandated to oversee STI progress -- was recently elevated to ministerial level (reftel),but has yet to receive an increased budget or personnel. Until the GOC prioritizes STI in tangible terms, scientific development will remain a Colombian aspiration rather than a reality, unable to provide opportunities to the growing population interested in the field. Brownfield