The 21st century brings new advances and challenges to science and technology. In his message to Congress in May 2004, President Lagos stressed the significance of fostering scientific and technological development and innovation as a priority for the future growth of the country.

It means combining public and private resources to increase scientific and technological capacity and innovation. Furthermore, it implies not only the formation of highly qualified human resources, but also the strengthening of the research capacities and the access to the most advanced knowledge.

The National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT) is the advisory body to the Government in science and technology. CONICYT has focused its actions towards the development of Chilean science and technology (S&T), in an effort to improve the country’s social and economic conditions. Its action areas are:

• To define science and technology policy;

• To promote and finance science and technology research programs and projects;

• To promote international cooperation between Chilean scientists and institutions with their foreign counterparts;

• To support the training and renewal of human resources;

• To support the mobility of researchers, and investment in this area;

• To facilitate access, both to the general public and scientists, to science and technology information;

• To increase public awareness and understanding of the benefits that accrues to the country as a result of its investment on scientific and technological research.

Under the current administration, CONICYT is moving from an essentially resource allocation function towards the development of a strong S&T governmental agency, playing significant roles on policy development and implementation, including better coordination between elements of the national S&T system.

In the area of human resources, Chile is continuing the trend of promoting new doctoral degrees, such as through the scholarships offered annually by CONICYT.

New centers of excellence for the research were formed in the past years, such as in the areas of mathematics for information and modeling; cellular studies; material science; ecology and biodiversity; astrophysics; and oceanographic studies. Other programs of excellence include seismology, quantum mechanics, and computer chemistry.

Besides the intensification of scientific education and cross-sector cooperation, the active participation and contribution of the private sector becomes similarly important for the research and development of science and technology.

Such cooperation between the government, the private sector, universities, and research centers, at the national and international level, is decisive for the development of new economic and productive application initiatives, such as incorporating “state of the art” information, bio- or clean energy technologies. In addition, it is crucial for enhancing the country’s competitiveness and modernizing the public administration and services, as well as placing new technologies at the service of the individual. The level of digital applications continues to grow. In 2004, there were more than 170 government services online, 83% of income tax filing and processing were completed online, and a high percentage of government purchases were (and are) placed electronically.

• Advancing Technology

• New Technologies at the Service of the Individual

Important Governmental and Non-Governmental Institutions, Programs, and Funds in Science and Technology

• CONICYT - National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research

• High Technology Investment Program. Program of the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO)

• FONDECYT - National Fund for Science and Technology Development.

• FONDEF - Research and Development Fund

• INNOVA CHILE (Formerly called FONTEC). CORFO Fund for private companies for the development and adaptation of new technologies and technological transfers to Chilean companies and institutions

• Fundación Chile. Private, non-profit institution whose mission is to introduce innovations and develop human capital in the Chilean economy's key clusters through technology management and in alliance with local and global knowledge networks.
(http://www.fundacionchile.cl/fundch_i/index_i.cfm)

• Genoma Chile Initiative

• Center for Scientific Studies (CECS). Private, non-profit corporation for the development, promotion, and dissemination of scientific research.

• National Info-Centers Program. Network of public centers with Internet access for small and medium enterprises and rural areas.

• REUNA. Consortium of national universities which works to promote and support the use of IT in universities and public life.

• Foundación País Digital. Organization that promotes a digital culture in Chile through innovation and IT usage, along with public and private institutions, schools, and universities.

• National Directory of Science and Technology

Science and Technology Indicators

• CONICYT