03/26/2024
By Christian Rodas Saa

The Global Studies Program invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense by Christian Rodas on “The Causes and Effects of Innovation in Latin America."

Candidate: Christian Rodas
Degree: Ph.D. in Global Studies
Defense Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Dugan Hall Room 204

Thesis/Dissertation Title: “It’s our turn to innovate: Assessing the causes and effects of Innovation in Latin America"

Dissertation Committee:

  • Dissertation Chair: Shakil Quayes, Ph.D., Professor, Economics Department Chair, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Angélica Duran-Martinez, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of Global Studies Ph.D. program, Political Science,
    University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Minnie Minhyung Joo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Political Science, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the causes and effects of innovation in Latin America, a region grappling with several socioeconomic challenges and lacking several complementary factors but actively striving to boost innovation. The study uses regression analysis with country-level panel data across three interconnected papers to provide new empirical insights into the dynamics of innovation within the region. The first paper reveals a positive correlation between R&D investments, mainly financed by governments, and innovation, measured as the number of patents field in the region. Property rights, domestic investments, and openness to international trade have also played an important role. The second paper finds that there is a procyclical relationship between commodity prices and R&D investments, implying that investments rise during high commodity prices and fall when commodity prices decline. However, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay stand out as clear exceptions to this pattern, demonstrating a steadfast long-term commitment to innovation. The third paper shows the nuanced effects of innovation on income inequality in the region. The findings reveal that innovation primarily exacerbates income inequality at the upper-income levels, while innovation is not statistically associated with overall inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient. Collectively, these articles underscore the importance of innovation in Latin America and emphasize the need for sustained government support to create a long-term commitment to innovation despite the region's socioeconomic challenges.