Overview of Productive Development Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean

The ECLAC report analyses the main challenges facing the region in terms of economic growth, productivity and social development, and identifies three traps that hinder progress: low growth, high inequality and limited institutional capacities. ECLAC proposes that productive development policies should focus on generating structural change that boosts productivity and fosters inclusive and sustainable growth, through coordinated strategies between governments, the private sector and civil society. It also highlights that policies should focus on key areas such as science, technology and innovation, promoting a productive transformation that encompasses various sectors. To do so, it is essential to increase investment in research and development, improve institutional capacities and establish more effective coordination mechanisms between the different levels of government. Public-private collaboration is also crucial to face the challenges of the global economy and take advantage of growth opportunities in strategic sectors. Regarding agriculture, the study points to important advances in terms of productivity, which has doubled since the 1990s. However, significant disparities persist between countries and productive sectors, which requires policies more focused on innovation and the use of modern technologies. The need to implement sustainable practices in the agricultural sector to improve its competitiveness is emphasized.