Global Courant 2023-04-13 19:39:13
The Social Innovation Laboratory (LIS) is open to carry out applied research for the development, design and evaluation of evidence-based social policies. It also supports social entrepreneurship initiatives with research and project management tools.
Located on the third level of the Innovation and Technology Center (CIT) of the UVG Central Campus, it has portable tools for facilitating community meetings and conducting participatory research, research islands with computers equipped with research and project management software. (NVIVO, SPSS, ARCGIS, GenoPro, Mindjet, Project Manager, Endnote, Scrivener, Adobe Full Suite and video editing software), sound and video equipment for conducting interviews used in applied, audiovisual and participatory research, and GPS units to collect graphic data.
“More than inaugurating a space, we are celebrating a long-term alliance won years ago. We have worked together with the Sustainable Economic Observatory (OES-UVG) establishing an Innovation Policy for the country, working on nutritional food security and looking for how to influence a transformation of the National Education System, through the new program in which RTI participates. We feel fortunate to be partners and work shoulder to shoulder,” said Roberto Moreno Godoy, rector of the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala.
The Social Innovation Laboratory (LIS) is part of several alliances between RTI International and the UVG during the last 15 years. The contribution of USD$50,000 for the Laboratory has supported the acquisition of mobile tools for participatory research, project management software, sound and video equipment, a drone and other tools to facilitate research.
“Innovation is central to achieving a better world. It drives social progress, from health care to agriculture and opening new avenues for business and employment. We are excited to support the UVG vision and join local efforts that will foster new ideas, new technologies, new knowledge and new ways of applying knowledge among the brightest minds in Guatemala,” said Paul Weisenfeld, executive vice president of international development. from RTI.
RTI International is an independent, not-for-profit institute that provides research, development, and technical services to commercial and government clients around the world. In Guatemala, he has worked for more than 20 years, providing technical assistance, institutional strengthening, program support, and research in the areas of education, government, health, private sector participation, and energy resources.
