This paper argues that strengthening Latin Americas´ public universities, and in general institutions of higher learning and research, is a key requirement to build the competitive productive structure that may trigger and sustain a long-term economic expansion. Without it Latin America will not keep pace with advances in science and technology, and have the capacity to adapt them to finally succeed in its yet quest for economic development. The paper explores the channels through which public research universities favor economic growth in Latin America, and how this system can be widened, made more efficient, and effectively used in the promotion of economic development as well as the hurdles to achieving this objective.
 
May 4, 2007.