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dc.titleInnovation and Technology Adoption in Central America
dc.contributor.authorRodríguez-Clare, Andrés
dc.contributor.orgunitDepartment of Research and Chief Economist
dc.coverageThe Caribbean
dc.coverageCentral America
dc.date.available2011-02-07T00:00:00
dc.date.issue2005-07-01T00:00:00
dc.description.abstractIn spite of deep structural reforms, Central American countries have failed to experience rapid and stable growth in recent years. This paper explores whether and to what extent we can consider lack of innovation and technology adoption as a main reason for this disappointing experience. The paper starts by documenting that technology adoption and innovation are indeed very low, and then turns to a more qualitative and eclectic analysis drawing on interviews and case studies to try to understand the reasons for this. Four hypotheses are explored: weak intellectual property rights, low competition, lack of finance and low levels of education. The conclusion that emerges is that the last two of these four hypotheses may be especially relevant for the region. The paper concludes with several policy recommendations.
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0010839
dc.identifier.urlhttps://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/Innovation-and-Technology-Adoption-in-Central-America.pdf
dc.language.isoen
dc.mediumAdobe PDF
dc.publisherInter-American Development Bank
dc.subjectInnovation
dc.subjectTelecommunication
dc.subject.keywordsWP-525
dc.typeWorking Papers
idb.identifier.pubnumberWorking Papers
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