Conclusion

Abstract

Throughout this book, we have argued that the advancement of science, technology, and innovation (STI) has an increasing role in Latin American higher education, particularly for private higher education institutions and universities. This comes as a combination of expected contributions of private institutions to the betterment of the region and a shift from the teaching-oriented university model to a larger focus on research. Thus, research productivity has become more a defining characteristic than an option for universities in the twenty-first century. Worldwide, state and private universities intensively look for ways to generate new knowledge and technologies that can transform economies and the society. In the predominantly Latin American government-funded universities, there is also an increasing interest in engaging private universities in a transformation from a training-focused mindset to an increased emphasis on applied research that can lead to innovation.