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In order to open up new opportunities for collaboration between academia, science and industry, the Latin American Advanced Networks Cooperation (RedCLARA) and the European Network of Research and Innovation Centres and Hubs in Latin America and the Caribbean (ENRICH LAC) have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The agreement establishes a framework designed to encourage interaction between academic, scientific, technological and business institutions in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. This collaboration is a significant step towards increasing private-sector involvement in initiatives related to research, innovation, and internationalisation.

The agreement also sets out joint actions to promote business engagement and commercial activities between Brazilian ENRICH-linked enterprises in LAC and institutions associated with RedCLARA. Both organisations emphasise the importance of fostering an environment that encourages meaningful interactions between companies, universities, and scientific networks, thereby expanding opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity development, and the establishment of strategic partnerships.

“This alliance marks an important step towards closer collaboration between our academic networks and the productive sector. "Together with ENRICH in LAC, we are opening new pathways for institutions and companies in the region to access knowledge, networks and opportunities that will reinforce innovation and enhance Latin America’s international profile," stated Luis Eliécer Cadenas, Executive Director of RedCLARA.

As part of the agreement, the two institutions will organise a variety of activities to encourage interaction between businesses and academia. These include organising virtual and in-person business matchmaking sessions, jointly hosting webinars on commercially and technologically relevant topics, and participating in trade missions that open new avenues for cooperation. The parties also commit to exchanging information on business opportunities, promoting training spaces aimed at strengthening commercial, academic and research capacities, and collaborating at fairs, conferences and specialised events by participating with experts and speakers.

The agreement also provides for the joint exploration of projects related to higher education, research, and open innovation. This will leverage the academic and scientific networks of both institutions to strengthen the ties between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. This includes promoting academic and scientific collaboration networks, developing co-creation and open innovation spaces, and advancing activities that encourage the internationalisation of knowledge, the exchange of good practices, and advanced training in areas such as digital transformation and open science. All of these efforts are in line with RedCLARA’s mission to strengthen and promote academic and scientific collaboration between Latin America and other regions of the world.

ENRICH in LAC is an organisation dedicated to fostering strategic connections between companies, institutions and countries. Its mission focuses on internationalisation and participation in international missions and trade fairs. Meanwhile, RedCLARA is an international non-profit organisation that develops and operates Latin America’s only advanced internet network. It integrates national research and education networks to strengthen science, education, technology and innovation across the region and stimulate inter-institutional collaboration at regional and global levels.

Both institutions share a vision of strengthening ties between the academic, scientific, technological and productive sectors and consolidating platforms that enable more active participation in international cooperation, development and innovation. This shared vision underpins the inter-institutional agreement, which is aimed at expanding opportunities and building solid bridges between those driving digital transformation and the internationalisation of knowledge.