enabling science through parliamentary governance. experience in perú (jesús hurtado, nov 2015)

7/24/2019 Enabling science through parliamentary governance. Experience in Per (Jess Hurtado, Nov 2015)

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Introduction

- Good afternoon. I would like to thank UNESCO and the Hungarian Academy of

Sciences for the opportunity to speak to you today. Its a great privilege to be

able to be a part of this event.

- My name is Jess Hurtado; I have served as a member of Perus Congress since

2011, and have been a member of the legislative Science, Innovation, and

Technology commission since 2012, when I served a year as commission chair.

- Today I would like to share our experiences working within the legislative branchto promote science, innovation, and technology on four levels: reflection,

support for leadership and governance, parliamentary policy control, and

formation of a critical mass.

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2 million hectares of the Andes lie waste, crushed by frost and deforestation.

1. In the Peruvian Andes, at an elevation of more than 3500 metres above sea level,

2 million hectares of land lie waste, crushed by frost and deforestation.

2. The same area receives some 80 billion cubic metres of rainfall 60-90% runs off

through rills and watercourses, causing soil erosion and providing no benefits.

3. In 2000, this situation affected the community of Masajcancha, which lies at an

elevation of 3600 metres in Central Peru.

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Is change possible?Masajcancha became and oasis in the Andes.It is possible in

Peru.It is possible around the world.

4. Masajcancha changed. The land was changed from eroded, stony, and

unproductive wasteland, into oasis in the Andes.

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One man launched this change using science, innovation, modern technology, and

ancestral Andean knowledge

5. Csar Dvila, an agricultural engineer trained at one of the countrys most

prestigious universities, returned to Masajcancha and initiated this change fifteen

years ago.

6. He took 20 hectares of frostbitten wasteland and implemented an Andean

technology known as sowing and reaping water.

7. Andean farming tools known as chaquitaklla were used to open infiltrationchannels, and terraces, stone platforms, and small reservoirs to hold filtered water

were built.

8. Together, the community of Masajcancha and Csar Dvila succeeded in

managing rainwater and ending the erosion that was destroying their soils.

9. They developed organic crop rotations and planted copses and tree windbreaks

to create benign agricultural micro-climates.

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Science, innovation, and technology can change our communities, our countries,

and our world, but require leadership.

10. Masajcanchasformer wastelands now produce barley, potatoes, turnips,

quinoa, Andean root vegetables, linseed, herbs, and mushrooms.

11. The programme increased water availability and stabilized temperatures,

reduced erosion, captures carbon, and generates jobs and income.

12. In the 90s, President Alberto Fujimoris Sierra Verde programme estimated that

within 5 years it would be possible to retain 10 billion cubic metres of rainwater.

13. The programme was abandoned by subsequent governments. Change through

science, innovation, and technology requires sustainable leadership.

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In the Legislative Branch, we empower leadership by the body that promotes

science, innovation, and technology.

14. The first objective of the Science, Innovation, and Technology Commission

was to empower CONCYTEC and its chair, Gisella Orjeda.

15. One result was a sevenfold increase in CONCYTECs annual budget between

2011and 2015 (from USD 5 million to USD 38 million)

16. USD 513 million have been earmarked for grant applications, to fund science,

innovation, and technology projects.

17. Concytec now invests USD 230 million in postgraduate study funding for

tomorrows leaders, at 150 of the worlds best universities.

18. As in Masajcancha, we believe that leadership must be strengthened. Our

goal is to form a Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technology.

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The myth of Quero-Cusco tells how the Creator (Taytanchis) asked his three sons to

show ayni (reciprocity) with their inheritances.

- The triple helix is formed by Llankay, meaning hardworkingsness (nowadays the

private sector and/or community); Yachay, meaning knowledge (academia), and Munay,

which means will and decisiveness (the State).

19. Our second goal in the Commission was to promote synergy between the private

sector/ communities, academia, and the State, replicating the experience of

Masajcancha.

20. Science, innovation, and technology must be developed and applied to solve the

problems that face companies, communities, and the country as a whole.

21. Thus, the first law that we passed (Law 29,987) was to promote public-private

partnerships for science, innovation, and technology.

21. Our next law (Law 30,008) was for the State to give recognition to Peruvian

researchers. We created the Santiago Antnez de Mayolo Prize.

22. However, the flow of knowledge must be made more dynamic. With Law 30,035 we

strengthened use of open access data for science, innovation, and technology.

23. For the private sector, we passed laws 30,018 and 30,078 to promote technology

transfer with patent information and industrial parks.

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There are questions remaining to be answered regarding policy management for

science, innovation, and technology

24. Much remains to be done, but a major step forward was made in 2011, with the

creation of a congressional commission for science, innovation and technology.

25. We have launched a number of bills that are currently moving through the

legislative process, aiming to strengthen congressional oversight.

26. Bill 1875 calls for the Prime Minister to report to the Commission each year on

advances in science and technology.

27. An investigation by our Commission found that between 2004 and 2012, publicuniversities failed to invest USD 466 million earmarked for science and research.

28. This is why we drafted Bill 2413, for this unspent mining supertax to be reallocated

for CONCYTEC grant funds.

29. Bill 1244 addresses the issue of the critical mass of the scientific community,

encouraging Peruvian researchers to return from overseas and drawing in foreign

talent.

30. Similarly, Bill 2415 sets out to create a group of registered public researchers, paid

30% more than a government minister.

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Epilogue

- Our experience in the Peruvian legislature has been guided by reflection

and analysis, supporting leadership and governance, congressional policy

control, oversight, and the creation of a critical mass for the scientific

community.

- It is vital to strengthen the triple helix of the private sector / communities

academiaState. However, for real change to happen, a fourth and all-

important stakeholder must be considered: the press.

- We have got our message across better and faster with radio and TV

interviews on major national networks, rather than public hearings and

sessions. The power of the press is fundamental, and we must garner its

commitment to promoting science, innovation, and technology.

- Thank you very much.

enabling science through parliamentary governance. experience in perú (jesús hurtado, nov 2015)

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