VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBO #2020/01 1742103
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 232103Z JUN 09
FM AMEMBASSY BOGOTA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9520
INFO RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 8995
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 2360
RUEHZP/AMEMBASSY PANAMA 3757
RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 8360
RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 7663

UNCLAS BOGOTA 002020 
 
SIPDIS 
SENSITIVE 
 
OES/STC FOR KDELAK; WHA/EPSC FOR FCOLON 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ECON ETTC CO TSPL PGOV EINV KCIS
SUBJECT: JEFFERSON SCIENCE FELLOW PROMOTES S&T DIPLOMACY IN 
COLOMBIA 
 
REF: BOGOTA 168 
 
¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY:  Jefferson Science Fellow Tim DeVoogd 
visited Colombia June 8-12, exploring potential areas of 
bilateral Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) 
cooperation.  He analyzed Colombia's STI system with federal 
and regional GOC stakeholders, leading universities and STI 
development institutions, offering policy and practical 
guidance on how to strengthen the system.  His presentations 
were widely attended and covered in the media, highlighting 
the increased importance of STI in Colombia.  The Director of 
Colombia's science agency (Colciencias) said the GOC realized 
that STI had to be a fundamental motor of Colombia's economy, 
noting that every potential 2010 presidential candidate has 
publicly highlighted its importance.  GOC negotiators of the 
bilateral Science and Technology Agreement also emphasized 
their commitment to the agreement's completion.  END SUMMARY. 
 
GOC Policy-Makers Request Guidance & Collaboration 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
¶2. (SBU) On June 8 DeVoogd discussed the strengths and 
weaknesses of Colombia's STI system with Colciencias Director 
Francisco Miranda, with both emphasizing the need for greater 
U.S.-Colombia cooperation.  DeVoogd offered ideas -- e.g. the 
creation of a national research grants system, development of 
financial mechanisms to encourage master's and Phd students 
to return to Colombia, need for STI outreach to 
policy-makers, the development of tax policy to support 
research efforts in the private sector -- that Colciencias 
could implement to strengthen STI.  Miranda stated that the 
GOC is increasing focus on STI as an economic motor, noting 
that for the first time in a pre-election period, every 
potential presidential candidate has made reference to STI 
policy.  Miranda bemoaned the lack of an STI "lobby" to 
adequately discuss and advocate for these issues amongst the 
legislative branch. 
 
¶3. (U) DeVoogd also met with the Science and Technology 
Agreement negotiators from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, 
Commerce and Environment.  The GOC explained its position on 
the texts in dispute, with both parties conveying strong 
commitment to finalizing the negotiation in spite of 
difficulties. 
 
Leading Universities Welcome Visit 
---------------------------------- 
 
¶4. (U) DeVoogd met with members of Colombia's leading public 
and private research universities (i.e. Los Andes, Javeriana, 
Antioquia, Nacional, La Sabana, Rosario), giving 
presentations on his neurobiology research and the STI system 
in the U.S.  Audiences enthusiastically received his 
presentations, requesting guidance on how to increase the 
number of academic exchanges and joint research with U.S. 
universities, the National Science Foundation, and the 
National Institute of Health.  They also asked about ways to 
diminish barriers to research operations such as reducing 
tariffs on goods associated with scientific activities, 
managing IPR in public-private-academic relationships, and 
developing mechanisms to incorporate the private sector into 
research activities. 
 
Outreach to STI Promotion Institutions and Media 
--------------------------------------------- --- 
 
¶5. (U) Colombia's leading STI development institutions -- 
Maloka, Parque Explora and the Colombian Association for the 
Advancement of Science -- also hosted events for DeVoogd and 
requested increased U.S. collaboration.  DeVoogd discussed 
best practices in other Latin American countries and noted 
the importance of tangible linkages with the U.S. such as 
"Science Corners" and digital video conferences (DVCs) with 
U.S. universities and research institutions.  DeVoogd's 
message was covered in both radio and print media, including 
leading Bogota daily "El Tiempo." 
 
Comment: How To Satisfy Growing STI Interest? 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
¶6. (SBU) Between 100-300 people attended the majority of 
DeVoogd's events, highlighting the increasing Colombian 
interest in U.S.-based STI entities and opportunities. 
Miranda views collaboration with the U.S. as vital, noting 
that over 85 percent of Colombia's Phd students travel abroad 
 
to study, and that Colombia's current STI infrastructure 
simply cannot support the growing interest.  DeVoogd's visit 
positively demonstrated the rapidly growing public interest 
in STI, but also highlighted GOC deficits in locally 
addressing that demand.  Miranda noted that Colciencias -- 
the only federal entity mandated to oversee STI progress -- 
was recently elevated to ministerial level (reftel), but has 
yet to receive an increased budget or personnel.  Until the 
GOC prioritizes STI in tangible terms, scientific development 
will remain a Colombian aspiration rather than a reality, 
unable to provide opportunities to the growing population 
interested in the field. 
 
Brownfield