In 2023, Uruguay recorded the highest level of investment in research and development (R&D) in its history, reaching 548 million dollars, while the total investment in science and technology activities (ACT) amounted to 979 million dollars.
The data, prepared by the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII) and the General Accounting Office of the Nation (CGN), show that investment in R&D advanced to 0.71% of GDP, surpassing the 0.56% of 2022.
With this leap, Uruguay established itself as the second country with the greatest relative effort in Latin America, only behind Brazil, and well above the regional average and economies like Argentina, Mexico, or Chile.
Sustained growth with a key leap in 2023
The report highlights that investment in R&D “has increased almost uninterruptedly since the beginning of the series.”
However, the last year marked a positive breakthrough, largely driven by improvements in UTE’s records, which adopted a new costing model and allowed for more accurate accounting of its scientific and technological activities.
Who drives investment in R&D
The Uruguayan science and technology system is characterized by a mixed ecosystem, with balanced participation between the public and private sectors:
- Private companies: 44% of the total investment.
- Public companies: 8%.
- Higher education: 26%, with a strong presence of the University of the Republic (Udelar).
- Government institutions: 22%.
Concentration is another structural feature: 10 companies concentrate 52% of private investment, while 5 institutions execute more than 80% of public investment, with Udelar, UTE, the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA), the Montevideo City Hall, and ANII itself standing out.
International comparison
The survey uses the criteria of the OECD Frascati Manual, allowing for the comparison of Uruguayan efforts with international standards.
Although Uruguay is far from leading countries like Israel, South Korea, or the United States, where investment exceeds 3% of GDP, the recent leap places the country among the most dynamic in the region.
Economic and social impact of science
Scientific research is crucial for the development of a country. In the case of Uruguay, investment in R&D drives:
Economic and social development
- Innovation and competitiveness: economic growth engine through new technologies and production processes.
- Job creation: creation of qualified positions and stimulation of the economy.
Improvement of quality of life
- Health: medical advances that improve public health.
- Technology: increased efficiency and productivity in various sectors.
- Problem-solving: responses to challenges like climate change, pollution, and resource management.
Strengthening governance
- Evidence-based public policies: more effective decisions and less dependent on personal opinions.
- Scientific sovereignty: ability to address own needs with technological independence.
Education and critical thinking
- Training of professionals: development of critical thinking, creativity, and initiative in higher education.
- Educational-productive link: connection between universities and the scientific-technological sector to respond to real social needs.
The historic record of investment in science and technology achieved by Uruguay in 2023 reflects a solid and balanced ecosystem, with strong participation from private companies, public institutions, and universities.
Although it is still far from the levels of leading countries, Uruguay positions itself as a regional benchmark in scientific dynamism, with a model that combines innovation, economic development, and social commitment. The commitment to research not only strengthens the country’s competitiveness but also improves the quality of life of its population and prepares it to face the major global challenges of the 21st century.
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