Looking for Latin American R&D Priorities (Part II)

An AI-assisted search

My previous article in EdTech Horizons started with the following sentence:

“This article—Part I of a two-part series—asks a simple yet vital question: In an era when scientific and technological progress drives prosperity, what should be the top research and development priorities for Latin America?”¹

In responding to this question, Part I developed a prioritization framework. The need for such a starting point is easy to appreciate: before selecting R&D fields to prioritize, we must systematically define the criteria for making that choice and determine how to weigh them.

In order to tackle this task, we developed an AI-assisted prioritization framework. Think of it as a decision-making tool that can be applied to projects, various initiatives, or entire R&D fields.

This new edition of EdTech Horizons constitutes Part II, as promised. Here, armed with the prioritization framework built in Part I, we proceed in two steps to answer the original question above:

• First, inductively, we build a non-hierarchical list of areas for R&D that can be argued to be good candidates for consideration as relevant for Latin America. Inductively, since the list was constructed by taking into account the content of a series of authoritative sources that offer valuable input on this matter.

• Second, we apply the prioritization framework developed in our precedent article (Part I) to such a list. The outcome of this exercise takes us to our initial goal, answering, in a structured and non-arbitrary way, which are the priorities for investment in R&D in Latin America as a region. We then discuss some of the implications and trade-offs involved in the choices suggested by the LLM.

The two steps are assisted, again, by AI. In this case, ChatGPT Deep Research.

Step 1. Review of priorities conveyed by authoritative LAC sources.

ChatGPT performed the following steps:

1. Literature Review and Report Analysis:

   • Reviewed recent reports and publications from reputable organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and other regional development agencies (a list of the sources included in the review are listed at the end of this article).

2. Gap Analysis and Needs Assessment:

   • Conducted a gap analysis to identify areas with significant under-investment or a lack of research focus in Latin America.

   • Assessed the needs of various sectors to prioritize areas that require immediate attention and support.

3. Cross-Sectoral Impact Evaluation:

   • Evaluated the potential cross-sectoral impacts of investment in various fields.

   • Selected areas that offer synergistic benefits across multiple sectors and contribute to overall development goals.

After this review of sources and their rationale was done, the following list of R&D priorities tailored to the context and needs of Latin America emerged:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

• Multiomic Technologies and Precision Therapies

• Renewable Energy and Energy Storage

• Robotics and Autonomous Systems

• Blockchain and Digital Wallets

• 3D Printing and Advanced Manufacturing

• Smart Cities and IoT

• Programmable Biology and Biotechnology

Numerous scientists and policymakers across Latin America may dispute this list. It is easy to see, just to mention one possibility, that astronomy is absent, despite the fact that some of the most important telescopes on the planet are located in Chile, or, say, space, a cutting-edge industry with monumental scientific implications that some countries in the region are investing in. In any realistic scenario, fields like these would be considered and debated as regional priorities are established through consultation. Yet, after considering relevant documentation and context, AI, once prompted, generated this short list, which, for simplicity, we will use in the next section. The list is not ordered. The message is not yet about one area coming first in a ranking, but about being one of the eight most promising areas for public R&D investment in Latin America. In practical terms, this list becomes the input for Step 2.

Step 2. Prioritizing Emerging Science & Tech Themes in LAC: Weighted Scoring Analysis

Using the selection framework (criteria and weights outlined in Part I of this series), we evaluated, with the support of ChatGPT Deep Research, duly educated in the context of R&D in Latin America, the eight scientific and technological fields listed above. Each theme was scored from 1 (low) to 5 (high) on five criteria, then multiplied by the criterion’s weight to yield a weighted score. The table below presents the weighted scores for each theme across all criteria, along with the total weighted score (out of a maximum of 5.00):

Ranking of R&D Priorities, Latin America

(Each cell is the product of the theme’s score and the criterion weight. For example, a perfect score of 5 under “Centrality to Global Trends (25%)” contributes 5×0.25 = 1.25 to the total.)

What we learn from this exercise

Top Priorities for Regional Investment

Renewable Energy & Energy Storage emerged as the highest priority, with a total weighted score of 4.80. This theme scored maximally or near-maximally on almost every criterion. It aligns strongly with global trends (the urgent shift to clean energy), holds immense regional impact by addressing climate resilience and energy access, and offers significant economic synergy for the Latin American region. Many countries have abundant renewable resources and are already leading in clean electricity (over 60% of the region’s power comes from renewables). The region represents only ~8% of the global population. Still, it can potentially play an outsized role in the new energy economy and its scientific underpinnings, given its vast solar, wind, and critical mineral resources. The high feasibility score reflects that deploying renewables is technically and institutionally viable, since several countries have clear targets and existing programs to expand solar, wind, and battery projects. While research excellence was one relatively lower area (the region is not yet a global leader in R&D for battery chemistry or next-generation solar technology), the criterion’s lower weight (10%) means it did not significantly detract from the overall score. In summary, renewable energy offers a powerful combination of global relevance, direct benefits to LAC’s development goals, and economic opportunity, making it a top recommendation for public R&D funding.

Programmable Biology & Biotechnology (total 4.60) was another standout priority. This theme encompasses cutting-edge biosciences, such as gene editing, synthetic biology, and biotech innovations, which are central to global scientific frontiers (e.g., CRISPR, bioengineering). Notably, it achieved a perfect score on Regional Impact (30% weight). Latin America’s unique assets and challenges amplify the impact of biotech: the region is home to roughly 60% of the world’s biodiversity and six of the planet’s seventeen “megadiverse” countries, offering aboundant bioresources that could be leveraged for new medicines, crops, and environmental solutions. Biotechnology can address the pressing needs in health (vaccines, precision therapies for endemic diseases), agriculture (drought-resistant crops, biofertilizers), and the environment (bioremediation for Amazon conservation), aligning firmly with the Sustainable Development Goals. It also scored five on Economic & Industrial Synergy – investment here could build new high-value industries (such as pharmaceuticals and bio-agriculture) and reduce reliance on commodity exports by creating value from biodiversity and scientific talent. Brazil, for one, has demonstrated the potential for globally recognized biotech innovations. The main weakness for this theme was Feasibility (score 3): many LAC nations currently lack extensive biotech infrastructure, trained personnel, or regulatory frameworks for advanced bioscience. Only a few countries (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Chile) have established strong biotech research clusters or funding; therefore, a regional initiative would need to build capacity (including labs, training, and partnerships) to be entirely successful.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning also scored highly (total 4.15), ranking in the upper tier of priorities. AI/ML is undeniably a global megatrend, driving breakthroughs across industries, as reflected in the perfect five score on Global Trends. AI’s regional impact score (4 out of 5) recognizes that AI can be applied to many of LAC’s development challenges – from boosting productivity and innovation to improving public services, education quality, and health diagnostics. The theme scored well on Economic Synergy (4) since AI is a cross-cutting enabler that can strengthen many sectors (agriculture, finance, manufacturing) and spawn new tech startups, contributing to diversification beyond commodities. It also received a solid Feasibility score (4), reflecting that many LAC countries have growing tech talent pools, expanding internet connectivity, and government interest in digital agendas. Compared to laboratory-intensive sciences, AI development is relatively accessible – it mainly requires human capital and computing resources, which several countries (like Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia) are actively cultivating already. The only criterion where AI/ML lagged slightly was Research Excellence Potential (3 out of 5). This acknowledges that, at present, Latin America is not a global leader in fundamental AI research. The region has talented researchers but relatively few world-renowned AI R&D centers or flagship projects. This limits immediate top-level breakthrough potential in AI coming from countries in Latin America, though it does not preclude important innovations or context-specific AI solutions from the region.

Themes Showing Weaknesses or Lower Priority

At the lower end of the scoring spectrum, 3D Printing & Advanced Manufacturing received the smallest total weighted score (3.10). This theme, which covers additive manufacturing and cutting-edge production techniques, was outscored by others on multiple fronts. Its relatively weak performance highlights a few issues. First, on Centrality to Global Trends, it scored only 3/5. While 3D printing was revolutionary a decade ago and continues to evolve (e.g., in industrial prototyping, medical implants, and even construction), it is no longer at the forefront of the global tech scene. In 2025, fields like AI, biotech, and renewables are drawing more attention and investment than 3D printing. Additionally, Research Excellence Potential was low (2/5) for this theme, as Latin America has not been a major contributor to cutting-edge materials science or 3D printer hardware development. Feasibility was also average (3/5): the technology is available and increasingly affordable, so there are fewer technical barriers, but widespread adoption in LAC would require significant training of engineers, initial capital for printers and materials, and a shift in manufacturing mindsets. Only a subset of countries (like Brazil or Mexico, with established manufacturing sectors) might readily absorb advanced manufacturing tech in the short term. Lastly, Economic Synergy was one of the relative bright spots (score 4/5) – aligning with the idea that advanced manufacturing could indeed, if implemented, help local industries climb value chains and stimulate private sector innovation.

Smart Cities & IoT (Internet of Things) received a mid-range total score (3.35, similar to robotics), revealing a mix of strengths and weaknesses. This theme involves utilizing sensors, data analytics, and networked devices to enhance urban infrastructure and services, including intelligent traffic management, efficient energy grids, digital governance, and connected public spaces. One of its highest scores was in Regional Impact (4/5). This reflects that Latin America is the most urbanized region in the world, with about 80% of its population living in cities. Urban challenges – congestion, pollution, unequal access to services, crime, resilience to natural disasters – are front and center in Latin America. Smart city solutions and IoT applications can directly address some of these issues: for instance, IoT-based early warning systems can improve disaster response, smart grids can reduce energy waste, and intelligent public transport systems can ease mobility in megacities. These benefits align with several SDGs (sustainable cities, climate action, safer communities). However, Centrality to Global Trends was only moderate (3/5) because, while important, smart cities/IoT is seen more as an applied technology domain rather than an entirely novel scientific frontier. Much of the core technology (sensors, wireless networks, and data platforms) is already well-developed; the innovation lies in implementation and integration. Feasibility & Alignment scored a solid 4/5, acknowledging that many Latin American cities are already pursuing “smart city” projects, and the required technologies (broadband networks, mobile devices, cloud computing) are increasingly available. Finally, Research Excellence Potential was low (2/5). Solutions in this space are primarily about the creative deployment of existing technology.

Multiomic Technologies & Precision Therapies (total score 3.70) occupies a middle position among the themes, with both notable strengths and some apparent weaknesses. This theme refers to advanced biomedical innovations, including genomics, proteomics, personalized medicine, and gene therapies. On the one hand, it is at the cutting edge of science (we gave it 5/5 for Global Trends). Around the world, multiomics and precision health are revolutionizing the understanding and treatment of diseases, from cancer genomics to mRNA therapeutics. For Latin America, such technologies hold promise for addressing health disparities and diseases prevalent in the region (e.g., certain tropical diseases or conditions with genetic predispositions in local populations). This potential earned the theme a 4/5 in Regional Impact. However, the Economic Synergy score was moderate (3/5). Unlike broad biotech (which can leverage biodiversity for various industries), precision medicine is a narrower field primarily impacting the healthcare sector. It could still catalyze the growth of biotech startups or medical research services in the region, but it’s less closely tied to traditional economic mainstays such as agriculture or energy. Feasibility and alignment were another weak area (3/5). Cutting-edge biomedical research requires advanced laboratories, expensive equipment (such as gene sequencers and bioreactors), highly skilled researchers, and a robust clinical research infrastructure, all of which are present only in a few exceptional cases in countries in Latin America.

Some Interesting Trade-offs

This weighted scoring exercise highlighted also several trade-offs that influenced which themes ranked higher or lower. Regional Impact (30%) carried the most weight, exceeding that of Global Trends (25%). This meant that themes closely aligned with Latin America’s urgent needs (poverty reduction, inclusion, sustainability) gained a significant advantage. For example, Renewable Energy and Programmable Biology both excelled in Regional Impact (each scored 5), which heavily boosted their totals. In contrast, a theme like robotics, which might be very important globally but less directly tied to social development in the region, scored lower mainly because of this misalignment. Thus, the outcomes of applying the framework forcefully convey the message that even cutting-edge technology is less of a priority if it doesn’t substantially address regional challenges.

Another trade-off is between immediate feasibility and long-term potential. Some themes (like Blockchain/Digital Wallets) scored extremely high on Feasibility – they can be rolled out with relatively existing infrastructure and skillsets, whereas others (Biotech, Multiomics) had lower feasibility despite high upside. This raises the classic “capacity vs. impact” dilemma. Investing in easier-to-implement solutions (e.g., digital finance apps) can yield quicker wins for the region, but might not build a unique competitive advantage. Meanwhile, investing in harder, more resource-intensive fields (like biotech or precision medicine) could position Latin America for breakthrough achievements and new industries, but with greater risk and slower payoff. Top priorities, such as renewables and biotech, have both high impact and, in the case of renewables, high feasibility. But in areas where impact is high and feasibility is moderate (such as AI), targeted investment can help raise feasibility over time to unlock the impact.

A trade-off between global leadership and local benefits is also apparent. Some themes offer Latin America a chance to shine on the world stage of science. But, within our eight themes, Research Excellence Potential had the lowest weight (10%), indicating it’s a desirable but not primary consideration for selection. This meant that a lack of current world-leading research didn’t drastically penalize a theme. For instance, AI and Renewables still scored very well overall despite LAC not being the top global source of AI algorithms or battery patents. This reveals a pragmatic focus in the prioritization framework: the favored outcome is to harness global science for regional progress, rather than pursuing scientific prestige for its own sake. However, the criteria did capture that if a theme has inherent reasons Latin American countries could become research leaders (like Biotech leveraging biodiversity), that’s a bonus (hence biotech’s higher research potential score relative to others).

There were a few interesting field-specific trade-offs worth noting as well:

• Blockchain and Digital wallets illustrate a trade-off between disruption and stability. The high impact and feasibility stem partly from sidestepping traditional banking, leveraging cryptocurrency and mobile technology to reach the unbanked. But this also brings risks (volatility, regulatory concerns). The scoring didn’t directly include a risk criterion, but it is worth noting that a high-feasibility score assumes a supportive regulatory environment.

• Smart Cities/IoT had the peculiarity of scoring high on impact but lower on global trendiness. This is a trade-off between doing what’s valuable but “unsung” versus chasing the headline-grabbing tech. Improving traffic flow or waste management with IoT doesn’t sound as exciting globally as gene editing or AI, yet for a city resident, it can significantly enhance the quality of life. The framework’s weights (with impact high, trend moderate) rightly kept this theme in the middle, acknowledging its value to citizens, even if it’s not a frontier of science.

• 3D Printing, Advanced Manufacturing, and Robotics both highlight trade-offs between automation-driven growth and labor dynamics in the countries in Latin America. These technologies can improve efficiency and create high-skilled jobs, but they may also reduce low-skilled employment or require massive workforce re-skilling. The framework indirectly captures this through lower regional impact scores. The takeaway is that the framework suggests Latin America might prioritize technologies that are more labor-inclusive, at least in areas where job creation is a political and social imperative.

Back to our initial question

In closing, our exercise in applying the weighted selection framework through LLMs’ deep research capabilities has highlighted which scientific and technological themes offer the most significant promise for Latin America and the Caribbean, aligning with global innovation. No doubt this is not the last word on the matter, but it constitutes food for thought.

In terms of specific outcomes produced by the exercise, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage stand out as the top priority, delivering on climate, social, and economic fronts with high readiness. Programmable Biology & Biotechnology closely follows, with enormous transformative potential for the region’s health and sustainability, albeit requiring concerted effort to build capacity. Themes like AI and Digital Finance also emerge as high-priority areas where LAC can leap forward if investments are channeled wisely and inclusively. On the other hand, fields such as Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, and even Precision Medicine, while important, showed notable weaknesses under the framework’s criteria, suggesting they should either be lower on the priority list or pursued with targeted strategies to address their shortfalls.

By understanding the trade-offs involved, action should ideally be planned and implemented at the regional, multi-country scale through international cooperation both with Latin America and with other parts of the world. The scoring provides an evidence-based guide: invest in the themes that scored highest, mitigate weaknesses in promising but challenged areas, and exercise caution about those that, for now, offer less alignment with the region’s core needs. Such a strategic approach has the potential for being useful in ensuring that investments catalyze scientific advancement, while producting tangible improvements in the well-being and economic dynamism of Latin America.

As an final point, and without intending to replace the indispensable stakeholder consensus that would be indispensable in a real regional science initiative , the intensive use of LLMs to clarify and structure a complex issue, such as defining multi-country R&D priorities, has served to highlight the potential of AI for scientific policy-making.

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Sources used for the inductive review of priorities

Adams, James, David Pendlebury, Rebecca Potter, and Martin Szomszor. 2021. Global Research Report: Latin America and the Caribbean: South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Institute for Scientific Information.

Aboites, Hugo, and Judith Sutz. 2018. “Innovation Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean.” Journal of Latin America Studies 50 (2): 327–350. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022216X17001422.

Albuquerque, Eduardo, Wilson Suzigan, and Carlos Henrique Brito Cruz. 2015. “A Theoretical Framework for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators: The Brazilian Experience.” Science and Public Policy.

Castaño, Victor M., Pablo Fernández de Córdoba, Joan A. Sans, and Guido Violini. 2024. “Big Science in Latin America and the Caribbean: Accelerate Particles and Progress.” Nature. https://www.nature.com.

CEPAL. 2025. Superar las Trampas del Desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe en la Era Digital: el Potencial Transformador de las Tecnologías Digitales y la Inteligencia Artificial. Santiago, Chile.

Ciocca, Daniel R., and Gabriel Rueda Delgado. 2017. “The Reality of Scientific Research in Latin America and the Caribbean: An Insider’s Perspective.” Cell Stress and Chaperones 22: 1–6.

Crespi, Gustavo, and Gabriela Dutrénit. 2014. Science, Technology, and Innovation Policies for Development: The Latin American Experience. Springer.

Cuello, Hugo, Alex Glennie, and Nyangala Zolho. 2022. Innovation Agencies in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Characterization of the RELAI Network. IGL/NESTA-RELAI-IDB. Washington, DC.

Goni, Edwin, and William F. Maloney. 2014. “Why Don’t Poor Countries Do R&D?” Policy Research Working Paper Series 6811, The World Bank.

Government of Brazil. 2022. National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation 2022–2030. Brasília: Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Government of Mexico. 2021. National Development Plan 2021–2024. Government of Mexico.

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). 2021. Science, Technology, and Innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Statistical Compendium of Indicators. Washington, DC: IDB Publications.

International Energy Agency. 2023. Latin America Energy Outlook. Paris. France.

Marin, Anabel, and Valeria Arza. 2021. “Interaction between Public Research Organizations and Industry in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Study on Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.” Research Policy.

Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Argentina). 2020. Argentina Innovadora 2030: Plan Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación. Buenos Aires: Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Colombia). 2022. Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 2022–2026: Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para el Desarrollo Sostenible. Bogotá: Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation (Chile). 2021. Plan Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología, Conocimiento e Innovación 2021–2030. Santiago: Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation.

Morán‐López, José Luis. 2000. “Physics in Latin America and the Caribbean Comes of Age.” Physics Today 53 (10): 38–43. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1325191.

NACLA. 2021. “Latin America and the Caribbean Science: The Long View.” NACLA. https://nacla.org.

Nakamura, Masafumi, David Pendlebury, Jonathan Schnell, and Martin Szomszor. 2019. Navigating the Structure of Research on Sustainable Development Goals. Institute for Scientific Information.

Navarro, Juan Carlos, José Miguel Benavente, and Gustavo Crespi. 2016. The New Imperative of Innovation: Policy Perspectives for Latin America and the Caribbean. Washington, DC: Inter-American Development Bank.

OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). 2023. OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2023. Paris: OECD Publishing.

Olivari, Joaquín, and Juan Carlos Navarro, eds. 2016. La Política de Innovación en América Latina y el Caribe: Nuevos Caminos. Washington, DC: Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo.

Ragas, Joel. 2020. “Science and Technology in Modern Latin America and the Caribbean.” Oxford Bibliographies.

https://oxfordbibliographies.com.

Sagasti, Francisco. 2018. “Hacia un Programa Regional de Cooperación en Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para América Latina y el Caribe.” Montevideo: Oficina Regional de Ciencias para América Latina y el Caribe, UNESCO.

Silberglitt, Richard, Philip S. Antón, David R. Howell, Anny Wong, Natalie Gassman, Brian A. Jackson, Eric Landree, Sharon L. Pfleeger, Elaine M. Newton, and Fred Wu. 2006. The Global Technology Revolution 2020, In-Depth Analyses: Bio/Nano/Materials/Information Trends, Drivers, Barriers, and Social Implications. Santa Monica: RAND Corporation.

Technopolis Group. 2023. Analizar y Desarrollar Recomendaciones para Fortalecer la Capacidad entre las Agencias Financiadoras de América Latina y el Caribe y para Mejorar las Oportunidades para la Colaboración Regional: Informe Final con Recomendaciones. Bogotá: ANII. MIMEO.

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1. As it was the case in our previous article, Part I, the question is being considered as a part of the process leading to the eventual creation -estimated by mid-2026- of INKA (Initiative for Knowledge in the Americas), an international initiative aimed at developing a comprehensive regional instrument for advancing science, technology and innovation at unprecedented scale. Every country in Latin America has and will continue to have its own set of scientific priorities. But INKA will be built on the assumption that there are commonalities among countries, and that some of the tasks required to achieve effective results and global prominence will be facilitated by international collaboration. For more details, click, INKA.