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