If Peru achieves setting the foundations for a “good” education for its people and innovation in its enterprises, it could become a developed country, affirmed Minister of Production, Piero Ghezzi.
In this sense, Ghezzi affirmed the government has been working “strongly” on both pillars.
Likewise, he highlighted the consensus adopted by all the political forces, in order to approve the bill of the new Innovation Law.
Thanks to the bill, investment in scientific research and technological development in the country can rise by US$500 million by 2016, Ghezzi calculated.
"Countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the group we aspire to be included into, invest an average 2.4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In Latin America, "an average 1.75%-GDP-share is invested," he told.
In addition, he indicated Peru’s current 0.12%-GDP-share investment into innovation will have to be doubled by 2016, reaching 0.25%.
Later, he told, they will aspire to achieve a 1%.
Just like on education, innovation and productive diversification are essential for the development of the country.
"A new industrial revolution is upon us and investment in these sectors will be very important; otherwise, we will be out-of-step," he stated.
Ghezzi explained the proposal will be valid thru the end of 2019.
Any investment, made by the enterprises, will also be deducted from the 2016 Income Tax, including expenses accrued in 2014 and 2015.
The Minister said this initiative is aimed to all Peruvian enterprises.
In order to apply, those will have to present their projects to the National Council for Science, Technology and Technological Innovation (Concytec), which will be in charge of its assessment and approval.
Later on, Ghezzi informed the Ministry promotes the program "Innóvate Perú," which collects funds for productive innovation, such as the Fund for Innovation, Science and Technology (FINCyT).
"It is necessary to promote applied research with a higher technology, in order to help many industries," he stated.
(END) JJN/JJN/RGR/MVB
Published: 2/27/2015