News

The biotechnology sector is experiencing rapid growth but needs more support

October 29, 2013
An article published in the newspaper El Observador on October 27 describes the state of the biotechnology sector in Uruguay in comparison with other countries in the region.

The article titled "Local Biotechnology Receives the Least Government Support in the Region" highlights that, although the sector in Uruguay has seen steady growth in recent years, government support remains limited.

The article refers to a study conducted by the Center for Economic Research (Cinve), Biotechnology Services in Latin America by Small and Medium Enterprises: A Study of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay which states that despite the existence of regulations governing the sector, the creation of the Sectoral Council for Biotechnology, and a national biotechnology plan extending through 2020, has no financing has for companies in the sector.

Furthermore, the article notes that some in the sector agree that progress is being made in our country, such as Carlos Sanguinetti, Coordinator of the Biotechnology Bachelor’s Program at ORT, who considers the technology investment law, the strategic focus of the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII), and the support from the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining (MIEM) to be important.