Innovation on the road to building a more sustainable country 

Photo: Portal Cuba 

In a challenging environment, the ability to innovate not only boosts economic growth, but also strengthens the social fabric and promotes a more sustainable and equitable future. On this path, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma) convenes the 1st Innovation for Development Fair.The event -to be held from October 1 to 4 at Havana's Convention Palace- is part of a grassroots process of holding similar fairs in the country's municipalities and provinces, where the role of science, technology and innovation as pillars for sustainable development is validated.It also promotes the articulation between the actors, which favors the elaboration of roadmaps that propitiate solutions to the different demands of the socioeconomic system.According to a note from Citma, the conclave will constitute a space for theoretical-practical exchange in order to promote the culture of innovation, a framework in which projections on emerging issues will be identified, in which alliances from the decisive contribution of knowledge will give rise to new results.The Fair seeks to promote the role of interface activities in achieving a real connection that ensures the closing of the innovation cycle. Quality management, legal and regulatory activities, technology transfer and commercialization are part of this purpose.During this first edition, distinguished personalities will give keynote lectures on topics of interest to the scientific community. In addition, there will be a Forum dedicated to Innovation for Sustainable Development, and the workshop, Science and Innovation based Government Management System (SGGCI).The fair will place at the center of the debate some issues related to the strategic tools for development; the entities producing goods and services; the process of integration among the actors; the role of interfaces and incentives, and territorial development as a basis for the implementation of the Government Management System and the social nature of innovation.Likewise, the impact of innovative alternatives in the country will be evaluated in sectors such as construction and hydraulic networks, electro-energy, integrated transportation logistics, tourism, food production, education, culture and professional services, health and biotechnology, and territorial development.As part of the program of this meeting, the National Innovation Awards, the Special Citma Awards, and recognitions from the National Association of Innovators and Rationalizers (ANIR) will be presented.