—and with greater intensity that of 2021— will have a "substantial increase" to expand investment in
, Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra affirmed on Thursday.
During the inauguration of the first edition of
Innovate Peru Summit 2019, the Head of State said the Inca country "lags far behind" other regional peers —in terms of investment in innovation with regards to GDP.
"Concerning this very important topic, we will assume the task that involves us in the
2020 year budget. With greater intensity in the (2021) Bicentennial Budget, we will make a substantial increase to support all ventures, as well as all investments to be made in
research, development, and
innovation," he expressed.
In this sense, the top official noted that investing in this sector constitutes the basis for future generations, since it is not merely an option "but an obligation that we have as a State and as a society."
The statesman added that some of the investments made by neighboring countries —in this field— stand between 0.6% and 0.8% of their GDP, while Peru is "scarcely" between 0.1% and 0.2%.
"That figure is unacceptable, if we want to live up to the times characterized by an extremely-competitive globalized world. I think it is time for us to take on the challenge of reverting this situation; that must be made through a commitment, so that we all can achieve it together: the private enterprises, the State, the academicians, and the entrepreneurs," he said.
The Head of State considered that each one of them must assume a commitment to support innovation in our nation, so that —in 2021— an investment figure can be provided "which marks a turning point in the statistics."
"We have the most important thing. That is what generates plenty of optimism; we rely on the human resources," he concluded.
Approximately S/1 billion (about US$296 million) has been invested —through Innovate Peru— in more than 3,500 entrepreneurial projects over the last 12 years, the Production Ministry has informed.
(END) JCC/FHG/MVB