2023-06-15 23:25:18
Uruguayans increased their interest in science and technology
The fourth edition of the Public Perception Survey on Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CTIE) showed that Uruguayan interest in these issues has increased in recent years. 76% of the population considers that what is investigated in Uruguay is useful for the needs of the country. In addition, 64% believe that the scientific profession is attractive and 7 out of 10 think that it is prestigious.
In dialogue with Presidential Communication, the president of the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII), Flavio Caiafa, explained that the survey seeks to find out what is the perception that Uruguayans have about science and how they are linked to it. The data allows obtaining information to make decisions, he pointed out.
Among the most important records, Caiafa highlighted that 76% of Uruguayans consider that the research is useful for the country. In addition, he increased the percentage of Uruguayans who are interested in the area, from 7% in 2014 to 17% in 2021. There is also a greater appreciation of the scientific profession. 64% believe that it is attractive and 70% that it is prestigious.
One of the novelties of this edition is that questions related to innovation and entrepreneurship were added. In recent years, science and technology-based ventures have acquired significant relevance, explained the hierarch, adding that these types of companies are essential to bring innovation closer to people and markets.
The data shows that more than 70% of Uruguayans believe that there are innovative companies in the country. Even 33% stated that they were aware of enterprises.
For her part, the Evaluation and Monitoring executive, Lucía Monteiro, pointed out that both concepts are linked for Uruguayans, since when one asks what words are associated with science, one of the most frequently mentioned is “innovation”.
In addition, he indicated that data was collected on the place that science occupies in cultural consumption and commented that a significant percentage attends open spaces linked to science, such as the Zoo and the Botanical Garden (60%) or the Day Heritage (46%). It was also verified that 7 out of 10 people make use of content related to science, mainly through traditional media, he said.
Increased knowledge of scientific institutions
Another of the findings in the survey refers to the knowledge of Uruguayans about the institutions that are dedicated to science. 41% of the population knows of its existence, says the report. Knowledge about the ANII is 43%, a percentage significantly higher than that reported in the previous edition, which was 12%.
Caiafa explained that the agency works to spread the value of science and innovation, through initiatives implemented with other organizations. By way of example, he mentioned the Energy Efficiency Contest for High Schools and UTU and the NOVA award, which includes a Junior category to reward schools and high schools that present innovative projects.
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