Centre for Communication and Social Change

Bernardo Alayza

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Research topic: Communication for Inclusive Innovation: Rethinking Science, Technology and Innovation Policies for Development in Peru - Bernardo Alayza

Advisors: 

The significant contribution made by innovation to economic growth, development and social wellbeing is recognised worldwide. Over the last decade, the Peruvian Government has implemented a set of innovation policies as part of a national strategy to address longstanding socio-economic problems. One of the main policy instruments in the Cusco region of Peru is the Technology Transfer Fair for Development (TTFD). Since 2008, the TTFD has contributed to the recognition of diverse local capabilities that can have great impacts on the development of the region. The outcomes and impacts of the TTFD, however, have not been comprehensively analysed and documented. In particular, it is unclear how the implementation of the TTFD has contributed to the creation of inclusive innovation processes that serve the specific needs of the Cusco region.

Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with representatives of stakeholder groups, this study gathered data on the role of communication in facilitating inclusive innovation in the context of the TTFD in Cusco. Specifically, the research explored how the TTFD actors understood communication and its role in inclusive innovation, what communication actions were applied through the TTFD to support local innovation processes, and the extent to which the TTFD facilitated inclusive innovation processes for development.

The study found that the conceptualisations of innovation among TTFD actors are embedded in linear models of technology transfer and economic perspectives, causing economic and technological objectives to prevail in the design and implementation of science, technology and innovation policies for local development. In this socio-political context, communication is seen in a reductionist way, that is, merely as a means to disseminate technologies in the marketplace, rather than as a dynamic process among the multiple actors involved in identifying needs and solutions for local issues through inclusive innovation for local development.

Based on an analysis of the narrative, achievements and potential impacts of the TTFD, it is argued that innovation as a strategy for inclusive development should strive for more than just economic or technological aims. It should be conceptualised as a co-evolutionary process involving the generation of new technological, institutional and socio-economic factors focused on strengthening local capabilities and creating opportunities for historically marginalised and low socio-economic groups. Communication is crucial for inclusive innovation processes for a number of reasons. It can facilitate the construction and orientation of social and institutional relationships as it contributes to the
capitalisation of lessons learned for feasible change options. It can also mitigate conflicts between the groups in development processes over inequality and exclusionary structures.

This dissertation draws the conclusion that communication for inclusive innovation, as an alternative approach to understanding the nature of innovation processes, must identify entry points for innovation and reorient innovation initiatives towards truly inclusive processes. The discussion allows a rethinking of the current science, technology and innovation policies for development, leading to a set of recommendations for a broad-based inclusive development strategy in the Peruvian context.

Berndardo has a Bachelor degree in Arts and Communications Sciences with a major in Development Communication from Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru Professional. He has a Qualification of Licentiate in Communication for Development and Master's Degree in Technology and Innovation Management and Policy from the same university. Bernardo has worked in Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru (PUCP) in innovation, development and engagement roles, first in the Rural Support Team within the Engineering Department, then for the International Projects Office. Bernardo's work at PUCP was awarded by the International Youth Foundation (YouthActionNet- USA).

Research interests

  • Innovation policies
  • Inclusive development
  • Inclusive innovation
  • Communication for innovation
  • Communication for social change

Publications:

Gonzalez. D., Diaz. E., Alayza. B. & Mosco. R. (2015). Perspectivas de los sistemas de innovación en la Amazonía peruana: un estudio de caso [Perspectives of innovation systems in the Peruvian Amazon: a case study]. Proceedings of the XIV Congreso Latino Iberoamericano de Gestión Tecnológica “Innovación para el crecimiento sostenible en el marco del Bicentenario” ALTEC 2015, Brasil.

Alayza, B. (2014). K'oñichuyawasi: Casa Caliente Limpia [Warming of Andean Homes: Technologies to combat the low temperatures in Andeans zones of Peru].Magazine America Renovable ed. 14 Available from: Catálogo Bibliográfico PUCP.

Alayza, B.& Ismodes, E. (2011). Estrategias de comunicación para aumentar el éxito en proyectos de fomento a la innovación tecnológica a nivel descentralizado [Communication strategies to improve the success of innovation projects at national level ] Proceedings of the XIV Congreso Latino Iberoamericano de Gestión Tecnológica “Innovación para el crecimiento sostenible en el marco del Bicentenario” ALTEC 2011, Lima Peru ALTEC.

Ordoñez, R., Alayza B., Harman, U., Vasquez, U. & Sarabia, M. (2007). El sistema de Invención e Innovación Tecnológica, Necesidades y Demandas Tecnológicas [The system of Invention and Technological Innovation Needs and Technology demands]. Una Investigación nacional y regional. Proyecto RAMP PERU. Lima- Peru. Pp. 112.