bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Change: Small Business Reform and the Multilateral Investment Fund
Authors: Holden Paul
Published: March 2024

Small business development in Latin America and the Caribbean is essential because it has the greatest potential to generate employment and alleviate poverty in the region. This report examines small business relations with the private sector in general and the MIF's role in its development.
Connecting Continents: State of Economic Relations between Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific
Authors:   Inter American Development Bank
Published: March 2024

This report details the state of LAC-Asia-Pacific trade and investment relations. We reach three main results. Economic ties between Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and Asia-Pacific1 have expanded and diversified remarkably over the past few years. Biregional trade has grown in double digits, and investors in both regions are increasingly eagerly joining forces reaching across the Pacific.
Improving Access to the U.S. Banking System Among Recent Latin American Immigrants
Authors: Bair Sheila C.
Published: March 2024

Research project on ways to improve Latin American immigrants¿ access to the U.S. banking system focused on access issues related to recent Latin American immigrants and particular attention to best practices in account opening procedures and providing remittance Products. Research also includes an Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing section on their integral relationship to banks and credit unions¿ ability to successfully serve the Latin American immigrant market.
Application of the Environment and Safeguards Compliance Policy on Invasive Species
Authors: Pilla Ernani , Villalba Alberto , Ziller Silvia , Watkins Graham George , Levy Denise
Published: March 2024

The Inter-American Development Bank requires analysis of the risk of introducing invasive species through Policy Directive B.9 of the Environment and Safeguards Compliance Policy which states that the Bank "will not support operations that introduce invasive species." Invasive species result in an estimated annual economic cost of US$1.4 trillion - 5% of the global economy. Within the LAC (Latin America and Caribbean) region, the estimated annual agricultural cost of invasive species in Brazil is estimated to be US$42.6 billion while the health and environmental costs of invasive species are US$6.7 billion. The socio-economic and environmental implications of invasive species are equivalent to those caused by climate change and habitat loss and the management of invasive species is therefore an environmental and socio-economic imperative. The purpose of this note is to provide guidance on the implementation of the invasive species element in Policy Directive B.9 to improve efficiency and consistency.
The political economy of the budget process: The case of Ecuador
Authors: Araujo María Caridad , Mejía Acosta Andrés , Albornoz Vicente
Published: March 2024

This study describes the main actors (formal and informal) involved in the budget-making process in Ecuador, and presents evidence regarding the main political and economic determinants of fiscal performance. It also discusses whether different political and institutional arrangements governing the budget process affect incentives for the composition of the budget. This paper seeks to fill a gap in the scholarly literature by analyzing the formal rules, incentives, and coalition dynamics of the relevant budget players behind the process of design, approval, execution, and oversight of budgets. The current research agenda requires a systematic analysis of the different arenas and stages in which budgets are made. The variable of interest is the quality of budget outcomes, a composite notion that seeks to evaluate four dimensions of budget performance: whether budgets allocations are representative of the interests of the majority, are sustainable over time, are efficiently allocated, and can be adaptable to changing economic circumstances. The paper tests the validity of the proposed analysis of budget dynamics in Ecuador, a country where major political and economic transformations of recent years, including the adoption of considerable constitutional reforms in 1998 and the move to dollarization in 2000 should have altered the representative, efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability of budget outcomes.
Guidance for Operations and Environmental Quality Management System: Water and Wastewater Utilities
Authors:   Titan Engineering, Inc.
Published: March 2024

The primary objective of this Technical Note is to provide guidance to utility companies either for improving the operations-phase implementation of a current environmental management system or for developing a system. The guidelines presented herein provide the approach, content and implementation protocols for developing a completed operations component of the Environmental Management System (EMS) (i.e., the Operations and Environmental Quality Management System, or "OEMS").
Microfinance in the Caribbean: How to Go Further
Authors: Westley Glenn D.
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the Caribbean. It argues that the reason they have lagged is fundamentally explained by factors internal to the MFIs, rather than external to them. The paper introduces four Caribbean MFIs, two with track records of low loan delinquency rates and two with track records of high loan delinquency rates, and analyzes their lending methodology. The paper concludes that Caribbean MFIs can become profitable, successful financial institutions by making changes to their internal policies and procedures. This is a very empowering conclusion, for it says that Caribbean MFIs need not wait for someone else to remedy external difficulties. They can be successful by changing their own practices. The second half of the paper goes on to analyze the kinds of changes that are needed for Caribbean MFIs to become successful.
Childcare and Women's Labor Participation: Evidence for Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Rodríguez Chamussy Lourdes , Mateo-Berganza Díaz María Mercedes
Published: March 2024

Reliable and affordable non-parental childcare is intimately related to female participation and other outcomes in the labor market given the conflicting demand for women's time on both, work and care activities. In terms of policy, public provision and subsidy of childcare services lift some of the time constraints and contribute to help families in the transitions through the initial years of parenthood. Both enrollment and this in turn increases the probability for mothers to look for a job or to be employed. This paper summarizes the available evidence specifically discussing characteristics and impact of childcare policies and programs in the Latin American region. Almost all random assignment and quasi-experimental studies show consistent positive effects on the intensive or extensive margins of female labor supply. This document also provides a review of incipient evidence about factors that affect program take-up and demand for childcare services and other informal care arrangements.
The Economic Advantage of Wireless Infrastructure for Development
Authors: Raghunathan Adithya
Published: March 2024

This paper explores wireless Internet infrastructure and associated costs in health, education, government, and commercial applications. It analyzes the cost-effectiveness of wireless provision of access and services in underserved (especially rural) areas, examining applications around the world. Current private sector activity in Latin America and the Caribbean is presented along with government and international development organizations efforts to promote wireless technologies in development projects. Attention is given to the policy barriers preventing the private sector from developing these technologies in the context of underserved markets, the role of government in providing universal service, and issues of spectrum allocation. Finally, recommendations are proposed for the IDB's future involvement in the area of wireless applications for development and wireless technology policy.
Innovation and Productivity in Services: Empirical Evidence from Latin America
Authors: Vargas Fernando , Crespi Gustavo , Tacsir Ezequiel
Published: March 2024

This paper analyzes and compares the determinants of innovation in the service industry and its impact on labor productivity at the firm level in three countries of Latin America (Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay). The main findings show that, similar to what is observed in manufacturing industry, service firms that invest the most in innovation activities are more likely to introduce changes or improvements in their production process and/or product mix, and those firms that innovate have higher labor productivity than non-innovative firms. Size was found to be a less relevant determinant of innovation in services than in manufacturing, suggesting that the need for infrastructure and associated sunk costs are lower in services. Conversely, cooperation was found to be far more important for innovation in services than in manufacturing, in line with the more interactive nature of innovation in services. Yet, large differences in statistical significance and size of the coefficients of explanatory variables among the countries studied suggest that the framework conditions where a firm operates have an important role in innovation decisions.
Towards the Development of Metrics for No Net Loss of Biodiversity in Peru
Authors: Pilla Ernani
Published: March 2024

This report was produced by The Wildlife Conservation Society and Forest Trends. This report begins by providing a short overview of biodiversity offset principles and their development in the international arena. This is followed by a review of the current status in Peru of biodiversity offsets along with a comparison to existing best practice. The authors then focus on the necessary scientific baseline and metrics required for establishing a biodiversity offset system. The report concludes with the elements and activities for a roadmap and next steps on implementing a biodiversity offset scheme in Peru in the short, medium, and long-term, with specific actions identified that can help move the process forward in coordination with MINAM, SENACE, and other stakeholders.
Background Paper: Energy Sector
Authors: Medieta María Paula , Suarez David , Corrales Maria Elena , Puerta Juan Manuel , Morales Carlos
Published: March 2024

In the global context, LAC is one of the regions known to produce the lowest levels of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from the transformation and use of energy. Levels of GHG in LAC represent 5% of global emissions in the energy sector.OVE's sectorial study evaluates the IDB's actions in the sector and its implications for Climate Change, both in mitigating GHG emissions as well as emerging activities developed to address climate vulnerabilities.
When to Protect? Using the Crosswise Model to Integrate Protected and Direct Responses in Surveys of Sensitive Behavior
Authors: Gingerich Daniel
Published: March 2024

The applied social sciences have witnessed a growing use of sensitive survey techniques (SSTs) to study the relationship between facets of an individuals background and his propensity to engage in sensitive behavior. The rationale undergirding the use of these techniques is the assumption that the rate of misrepresentation and/or nonresponse under direct questioning among individuals bearing the sensitive trait would be so high as to make the use of direct questioning infeasible. But is this indeed the case? Presently available methodological tools do not provide an answer. The current paper presents a survey questioning strategy and corresponding statistical framework that simultaneously addresses the question of whether or not the use of a SST is required to study a given sensitive behavior, provides an estimate of the prevalence of the sensitive behavior in the population of interest, and, in its extended form, describes how individual characteristics relate to the likelihood of engaging in the behavior.
The Energy Sector in Belize
Authors: Gischler Christiaan , Gonzalez Torres Camila , Olson Lars , Servetti Gianmarco , Rojas Sánchez Laura , Rodriguez Enrique
Published: March 2024

Belize faces declining petroleum production as well as electricity costs that are among the highest in Central America. Although it is dependent on Mexico for over 30 percent of electricity supply, Belize has significant renewable energy resources of its own that can help reduce this need (and the high costs to fill it) and increase energy security. The country also has the opportunity to consume energy more efficiently by using innovative technologies. To realize these opportunities, Belize, with the support of a Sustainable Energy Action Plan developed with technical assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank, has developed an energy policy and a strategic plan for the ministry responsible for energy. Collectively, the policy and strategic plan aim to address the barriers that prevent public and private sector entities from using energy more efficiently, as well as those that restrict the development of renewable energy.
Improving the Quality of Statistics in Belize
Authors: Perfit Janine , Russell Mariko , Muñoz-Ayala Jorge E.
Published: March 2024

In modern public management the use of statistics for decision making is essential. Evidence-based policy, as well as results-based public management, cannot operate effectively without reliable and timely data. Likewise, without more specialized, quality statistics, the achievement of development objectives cannot be appropriately monitored, or the effectiveness of development plans evaluated. In the specific context of Belize, the importance of a well-functioning statistical system is essential to the process of economic and social development of the country. Yet, according to the evidence collected, the country is characterized by the absence of a statistical system; as such, the agencies that produce data based on administrative registries and surveys usually do their work independently; there is no regulation that governs statistical production in any institution outside the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB); and there is no common set of classifiers, norms, and definitions based on good practices that meet international standards. Since the SIB does not audit and regulate the production of data in the country, statistical production is disintegrated and there is room for improvement in timeliness and quality. Moreover, Belize's National Statistical System (NSS) does not have any effective mechanism to reach users. To improve this situation, this technical note recommends strengthening the SIB's capacity to produce basic statistics and increasing the country's use of statistics through the implementation of a national statistics strategy in Belize with the SIB in the role as the coordinating agency. This will help to strengthen the entire statistical system.
Recursos hídricos y adaptación al cambio climático en Latinoamérica y el Caribe: Directrices estratégicas y líneas de acción propuestas
Authors: Miralles-Wilhelm Fernando
Published: March 2024

Esta estrategia se enfoca primordialmente en aquellos desafíos y oportunidades donde el BID tiene la necesidad de participar y mejorar sus resultados; para seguir estos retos activamente, esta estrategia establece cuatro objetivos coordinados. Núcleo de Negocios: desarrollar soluciones a los problemas de recursos hídricos identificados en la región (cantidad de agua, calidad, infraestructura y gobierno) en diferentes escenarios geográficos, climáticos, culturales y socioeconómicos, desde estudios preliminares hasta proyectos de inversión a una gran escala incorporando adaptación al cambio climático. Generación de Conocimiento y Creación de Capacidades: Crear capacidades para el diseño, gerencia e implementación de programas de recursos hídricos en sectores económicos claves, con un énfasis particular en la adaptación al cambio climático, en donde existen conocimientos científicos implementables. Integración intra-institucional: Consolidar, integrar y racionalizar experticia, conocimientos y actividades de implementación en materia de recursos hídricos a través del Banco, de tal forma que se puedan prestar mejores servicios a todos los países a los que sirve el BID. Aumento de Visibilidad: Asumir un papel de liderazgo en foros nacionales y globales compartiendo lo aprendido y asesorando a otros actores nacionales e internacionales en las direcciones de actividades futuras, particularmente en el área de recursos hídricos y adaptación al cambio climático.
Finding Wally among Chilean Entrepreneurs
Authors: Olivari Jocelyn
Published: March 2024

This paper identifies the main characteristics of a subset of Chilean firms that has the potential to positively impact the economy through employment generation. The study also verifies whether their traits systematically differ from those of other firms. Based on a mean comparison exercise, the results show that this particular business population is rather heterogeneous in nature and in terms of the impact it has over the economy at least in terms of job creation. The entrepreneurs within this subset exhibit some varying traits, with education being the most important. Overall, this paper demonstrates that identifying highly potential ventures is as difficult as locating Wally in a flea market: they do not represent more than 15 percent of the business population, implying that horizontal policies to promote business development may be diluted within a population of low-performing businesses
Rekindling Economic Growth in Belize
Authors: Martin Dougal
Published: March 2024

Rekindling faster, sustained economic growth is arguably the most important development challenge for Belize. Economic growth is crucial for improving living standards, reducing poverty and strengthening macroeconomic sustainability. What are the binding constraints to economic growth in Belize? This study updates a growth diagnostic prepared for Belize in 2007, by reviewing Belize's economic performance, applying the Hausmann, Rodrick, and Velasco methodology to Belize's economic context and also by taking into account the private sector's opinions on the constraints to private sector investment and growth.
Comparative Case Studies of Three IDB-supported Urban Transport Projects: Lima Case Study Annex
Authors: Scholl Lynn , Quintanilla Oscar
Published: March 2024

This case study, an input to a comparative project evaluation of IDB-supported urban transport projects, examines the project's design, implementation, results, and sustainability. It starts by presenting the context for the project and describing the project and IDB's participation. It then evaluates the project's relevance, implementation, and effectiveness, including a detailed analysis of air quality and poverty results. Finally, it discusses ongoing issues that affect sustainability and presents lessons for future IDB-supported urban transport projects.
Local Vulnerability Indicators and Adaptation to Climate Change: A Survey
Authors: Ludeña Carlos E. , Yoon Sang Won
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate interdisciplinary research on vulnerability indexes to climate change. The paper presents a systematized analysis of recent literature on agriculture, coastal areas, water resources, forests and health sectors. The paper examines in particular different aspects of vulnerability indexes to climate change, and emphasizes the importance of deriving vulnerability measures from sector-specific local studies after comparison of various types of sector-specific local institutional arrangement as coping strategies to mitigate climate impacts. The paper also explores possibilities to propose sectoral indices that can be applied systematically at the local level for the practitioners. The survey paper tries to provide pertinent background information regarding the choice of influential variables in the design of field studies and suggests future direction of in-depth empirical research on vulnerability to climate change.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Energy Sector in the Eastern Caribbean: Dominica Energy Dossier
Authors: Gischler Christiaan , Espinasa Ramón , Janson Nils , Humpert Malte
Published: March 2024

This Energy Dossier is part of a series of publications produced by the Energy Division of the Infrastructure and Environment Department of the Inter-American Development Bank. It is designed to increase the knowledge base about the composition and organization of the energy sector of Latin American and Caribbean countries. Each dossier describes the energy matrix of the country under analysis and then dives deeply into the institutional organization and regulatory framework of the energy sector in that country. This series is an important contribution to the understanding of the energy sector of the Eastern Caribbean countries, as many projects providing comparable information have been carried out in this part of the hemisphere.
Extractives in Latin America and the Caribbean: The Basics
Authors: Walter Martin
Published: March 2024

This note provides a snapshot of key indicators of the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) extractives sector: the basic elements underpinning current debates. The first section examines LAC reserves and production of hydrocarbons and minerals. The second section explores recent market and investment trends, considering its effects on LAC economies. The final section concludes noting emerging social transformations in the sector and the need to foster a sense of shared responsibility among stakeholders.
Brazilian Electoral Panel Study: 2014 Results
Authors: Samuels David , Rennó Lucio , Machado Fabiana , Ames Barry , Smith Amy Erica , Zucco Cesar , Huberts Alyssa
Published: March 2024

This report provides a summary introduction to some of the questions examined in the Brazilian Electoral Panel Study (BEPS) 2014 dataset. Following up on the 2010 Brazilian Electoral Panel Study, and taking advantage of the Brazilian 2014 presidential elections, a public opinion panel study was undertaken, comprising seven waves extending from May to November 2014. This document has two goals. The first is to familiarize those interested in using the data for their own analyses with the survey's technical approach and the dataset's subject matter. The second is to provide a preliminary dissemination of the survey's findings. These results are organized thematically around the topics covered in the questionnaire, consisting mostly of summary statistics, and the codebook provides further information on the design for the questionnaires and sample. The questionnaire also includes six controlled experiments.
Guyana's PetroCaribe Rice Compensation Scheme Has Ended: Assessment and Policy Implications
Authors: Rogers Roger , Clarke Dillon , Wenner Mark D.
Published: March 2024

The government of Guyana signed a rice compensation agreement with Venezuela in 2009 wherein Guyanese rice exports were accepted in partial payment for imports of Venezuelan oil. The agreement ended in November 2015 and was not renewed for 2016. The scheme had provided stimulus to the Guyanese rice sector, resulting in higher levels of investments in improved inputs and machinery, an expansion in area cultivated, higher levels of outputs, higher levels of exports, and increased employment. The main incentive was the payment of a market premium, averaging 20 percent greater than world price. Despite improvements in yields, the average cost of production for a metric ton of Guyanese rice has remained uncompetitive compared with other leading exporters of rice (US, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam), limiting export market diversification opportunities. Because the scheme ended, Guyana must now place all of its exportable surplus in alternative markets. Without dramatic reductions in the cost of production, Guyana's response strategy will be limited to searching for premium bilateral deals and improving value-added processing activities. At present, Cambodia and Myanmar are displacing Guyana's rice exports to the European Union market, and Vietnam has entered into a supply agreement with Haiti, one of Guyana's Caribbean Community markets. This paper assesses the implications of Guyana's vulnerability in this scenario and offers recommendations to assuage the risks of a sharp price reduction.
Evaluation of IDB Group's Work through Financial Intermediaries: Trade Finance Background Report
Authors: Szwedzki Roni , Michelitsch Roland , Soriano Alejandro
Published: March 2024

This background paper has been prepared in conjunction with acomprehensive evaluation of the work of the Inter-American Development Bank Group through financial intermediaries in Latin America and the Caribbean. This paper analyses a sample of trade finance program operations in the IDBG.
Evaluation of IDB Group's Work through Financial Intermediaries: Benchmarking of Development Finance Institutions Background Report
Authors: Alcántara Rafael , Funes Aguilera Rocio , Michelitsch Roland , Soriano Alejandro
Published: March 2024

In 2015, the Office of Evaluation and Oversight conducted an evaluation of the financial intermediary operations of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. The evaluation included an examination of other development finance institutions (DFIs) working with FIs in Latin America and the Caribbean to better understand the different strategies and operational approaches. This report summarizes the findings gathered from interviews and desk reviews of the activities of nine DFIs to generate insights on financing trends and best practices, with the aim of informing the future operations of IDBG and other DFIs.
Firm Productivity as an Engine of Saving
Authors: Rud Juan Pablo , Fernandez Andres , Busso Matías
Published: March 2024

This technical note considers whether low savings in Latin America and the Caribbean may result from low productivity rather than vice versa. Economies with low TFP growth tend to be economies in which returns to investments are low, with low saving rates as well. In that sense, low TFP growth, by providing weaker incentives to save, could be another determinant of the low saving rates observed in the region. Moreover, firms need to invest, which in turn requires that they can access financial markets. If instead, firms are constrained because of financial frictions, some entrepreneurs may have to run small firms and save in order to fund their projects, slowing down aggregate productivity growth. This note further examines the distribution of private savings in the economy and the behavior of firm saving to explore whether financial frictions distort price signals and incentives to save.
Solid Waste Management in the Caribbean: Proceedings from the Caribbean Solid Waste Conference
Authors: Smith Ianthe , Méndez Paola , Riquelme Rodrigo
Published: March 2024

This publication looks into the Solid Waste Sector situation in nine Caribbean countries: The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. Adequate solid waste management is a particularly sensitive issue for them. This publication provides a detailed overview of the institutional arrangements in these countries, describes the main challenges and recommendations for solid waste collection, treatment and disposal, and discusses topics such as the financial sustainability and the impact of climate change on the sector.
Urban Wastewater Treatment in Brazil
Authors: von Sperling Marcos
Published: March 2024

The major focus of this report is the description and critical analysis of the main wastewater treatment processes used in Brazil. Special emphasis is given to small to medium size communities with populations lower than 100,000 inhabitants, which represent approximately 95% of the 5,570 Brazilian municipalities. In terms of coverage, around 40% of the sewage generated in Brazil is treated, with an estimated number of treatment plants in the order of 2,800. Based on a survey of 2,187 treatment plants, the configurations most widely adopted are: anaerobic pond followed by facultative pond; UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) reactor; activated sludge; ponds followed by maturation ponds; septic tank followed by anaerobic filter. An assessment of the actual performance of 166 treatment plants showed a great variability in the effluent concentrations and in the removal efficiencies, with performances that were usually inferior to those reported in the technical literature. Data on capital cost expendituresindicated values ranging from R$60/inhabitant to R$650/inhabitant, depending on the treatment process employed. Due to the favorable climatic conditions in Brazil, there are no technical limitations for the adoption of biological sewage treatment. Traditional options incorporate stabilization ponds and activated sludge, but the more recent trend involves the adoption of UASB reactors followed by some form of post-treatment.
The Economics of Water Infrastructure Investment Timing and Location under Climate Change
Authors: Lund Jay R. , Williams Jeffrey , Corderi David
Published: March 2024

The Dong Nai Delta in Vietnam has been projected to face long-term changes in physical conditions stemming from climate change. Sea level rise combined with changes in the hydrologic cycle will result in increased salinity conditions, causing significant damage to the current style of agricultural production. Adapting to these changes in salinity will require not only adjusting the cropping patterns, but also new water infrastructure investments. Two important questions arise for planners and practitioners. First, a balance needs to be found with regards to the appropriate timing of the investment. An important amount of investment is needed for new water infrastructure while salinity will increase gradually over time. Second, considerable tradeoffs exist with respect to the location of the investment arising from the morphological characteristics of the delta. Constructing water infrastructure closer to the sea implies a higher investment cost. However, the additional benefits will be reduced since regions closer to the sea already have lower agricultural productivity due to greater salinity. This paper develops an economic model to analyse the optimal timing and location of water infrastructure investments in the Dong Nai Delta of Vietnam.
Template for External Sustainability Assessment
Authors: Castillo Marola A.
Published: March 2024

This manual explains in detail the external sustainability assessment approach following Castillo (2016), given by the stock-flow relationship among net external positions, non-income current account, and real exchange rate. This approach consists of determining the non-income current account over GDP that would stabilize a benchmark net foreign asset (NFA) position over the mediumterm, and a "gap" by comparing the NFA-stabilizing non-income current account over GDP with its value expected to prevail over the medium term. The text develops an External Sustainability Template and provides guidance in the customization of empirical assessments by addressing three methodologies: Standard Approach, Endogenous Net Foreign Assets Dynamics Approach, and Fan-Charts Approach.
What Role Can Carbon Capture Technology Play in Reducing Future CO2 Emissions?
Authors: Levy Alberto
Published: March 2024

2016 will surely be the hottest year since records began in the 19th century. The increase will be very close to the target set in the Paris Agreement to avoid an increase in global temperature by 1.5 °C. Average temperaturesin 2016 have risen to 1.2 °C above what they were before the industrial revolution. The dilemma facing the world today, in view of these data, becomes even more urgent: How to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, accepting that their demand will continue to exist in the coming decades? In the energy sector, many solutions have been proposed to completely replace fossil fuels for electricity generation, such as massive deployment of renewable energy generation and increased energy efficiency. There are many restrictions, however, to achieve this result in the medium term, ranging from technological limitations in the massive deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energies, to the political economy of countries that are unlikely to reduce their oil production And carboniferous as long as demand exists. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) offers an alternative to mitigate CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power plants, considering that, given current and future energy needs, the operation of these plants will continue in the coming years. CAC could mitigate up to 90% of the carbon dioxide emitted by the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes. Additionally, the use of CAC with renewable biomass is one of the few carbon reduction technologies that can be used in a "carbon-negative" mode. If biomass from fuelwood crops were used, carbon could be absorbed and simultaneously generate electricity. CCS, therefore, is a viable alternative to solve the dilemma of reducing emissions while satisfying the growing energy needs of the world.
Sustainable Infrastructure: New Chapter for China-LAC Infrastructure Cooperation
Authors: Xiang Zhang , Li Fan , Shengping Shang , Mueller Sven-Uwe , Tianyi Zhang
Published: March 2024

In recent years, a growing emphasis has been given to the impact of infrastructure on economy, society and environment as well as to the sustainability of infrastructure projects. The Inter-American Development Bank, a major driver of infrastructure development in Latin America, has partnered with the China International Contractors Association (CHINCA) to advocate for sustainable development as a strategy to boost the comprehensive competitiveness of its members. With a shared vision to promote sustainable infrastructure, CHINCA and IDB will intensify collaboration and offer an impetus and guidance for Chinese contractors to invest in and undertake sustainable infrastructure projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Study of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems in the Latin American Pacific Alliance Countries: Regional Analysis: Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico & Peru
Authors:   Multilateral Investment Fund,   Fundación Ecología y Desarrollo
Published: March 2024

This report sets out to present some of the highlights from a more in depth study carried out on social entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru as part of a wider comparative study between the Latin American Pacific Alliance countries and sixcountries in Asia (Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines). This study comprises a global, regional and country level perspectives as well as a detailed analysis of 25 examples of social enterprise within the two regions. In this report we begin by providing the context of the Pacific Alliance agenda and observe the opportunity this regional integration effort may have for social enterprise across the region. Secondly we outline some of the different ways each countries ecosystem has evolved over the last few years in terms of public policies, intermediaries, financial support mechanisms and Universities. There are different stages of evolution to be observed depending on the sector. For example Chile and Colombia have followed similar processes to develop public policies for social innovation (building on the maturity of their existing entrepreneurship and innovation support systems), whereas Costa Rica has leap-frogged this process with the creation of its new Social Innovation Council. Mexico and Colombia are leading the way in terms of social impact investment and Peru, with a far more incipient ecosystem although has seen rapid growth in the last two years, which above all has stimulated social entrepreneurship activity within the University sector. Thirdly we consider the different degrees of social and financial motivations of social enterprises and how these are made to fit within the existing legal frameworks and also explore the profile of the social entrepreneur in the region. Finally observe the emerging phenomena of social innovation labs as new ways of responding to social problems using diverse systemic perspectives, new ways of experimentation and learning and unique participatory design approaches.
Study of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems in the Latin American Pacific Alliance Countries: Case Study: Late, Chile
Authors:   Multilateral Investment Fund,   Fundación Ecología y Desarrollo
Published: March 2024

This report sets out to present some of the highlights from a more in depth study carried out on social entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems in Chile, presenting the case study of Late.
Study of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems in the Latin American Pacific Alliance Countries: Case Study: Asembis, Costa Rica
Authors:   Multilateral Investment Fund,   Fundación Ecología y Desarrollo
Published: March 2024

This report sets out to present some of the highlights from a more in depth study carried out on social entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems in Costa Rica, presenting the case study of Asembis.
Study of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems in the Latin American Pacific Alliance Countries: Case Study: X-runner, Peru
Authors:   Multilateral Investment Fund,   Fundación Ecología y Desarrollo
Published: March 2024

This report sets out to present some of the highlights from a more in depth study carried out on social entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems in Peru, presenting the case study of X-runner. X-runner provides a hygienic domestic sanitation service combining a portable dry toilet, weekly pick-up system and composting system. For a small monthly fee, x-runner creates a cleaner, healthier environment for low-income families in urban communities in Lima.
Study of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems in South East and East Asian Countries: Country Analysis: Republic of Singapore
Authors:   Multilateral Investment Fund,   Japan Research Institute
Published: March 2024

This report consolidates the key findings from a series of in-depth country-level studies on social entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems in the Republic of Singapore.
Study of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems in South East and East Asian Countries: Case Study: Doi Tung Development Project (The Mae Fah Luang Foundation), Thailand
Authors:   Multilateral Investment Fund,   Japan Research Institute
Published: March 2024

This report consolidates the key findings from a series of in-depth country-level studies on social entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems in Thailand, presenting the case study of Doi Tung Development Project (The Mae Fah Luang Foundation).
Study of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems in South East and East Asian Countries: Case Study: Woozoo, South Korea
Authors:   Multilateral Investment Fund,   Japan Research Institute
Published: March 2024

This report consolidates the key findings from a series of in-depth country-level studies on social entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems in South Korea , presenting the case study of Woozoo.
Labor Migration in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Look at New Trends and Policies
Authors: Mazza Jacqueline , Sohnen Eleanor
Published: March 2024

International headlines often focus on the drama of U.S.- Mexico border, but the borders of Latin America are becoming more active transit points for work across the region. Today, migration officials are noting labor movements inconceivable as little as 15 years ago: Hondurans and Guatemalans crossing to El Salvador for agriculture and construction work; Bolivians and Paraguayans working in large numbers in Argentina; Mexicans from the state of Chiapas moving to the Yucatan for work, with Guatemalans replacing them to harvest local crops. The Caribbean, still a major These new patterns are demonstrating a changing, more regionally connected labor market in line with a global marketplace.
Subregistro de nacimientos e indocumentación: Metodología para su caracterización y la medición de costos económicos y sociales
Authors: Rud Juan Pablo , Castro Lucio , Benítez Molina Juan Carlos
Published: March 2024

De acuerdo a UNICEF (2010), el 10% de los nacimientos en América Latina no son registrados legalmente. De hecho, en algunos países centroamericanos y sudamericanos, se estima que entre un 20 y 30% de la población carece de cualquier forma de identificación legal. Desde el punto de vista del desarrollo, la importancia del fenómeno del subregistro y la indocumentación radica en que la documentación de identidad es la puerta de acceso a derechos políticos a mercados formales y a servicios públicos que impactan directamente en el bienestar de la población. Esta nota técnica se propone dos objetivos: primero, presentar diversas fuentes de información que posibiliten una caracterización de los individuos indocumentados y subregistrados promedios, y un análisis detallado de las restricciones al registro de nacimientos y a la documentación identitaria; y segundo, proponer métodos de cómo estimar correlaciones de la indocumentación y el subregistro de nacimientos en términos de participación económica y política de los ciudadanos, su acceso a servicios públicos y otras medidas de bienestar socioeconómico.
Reformas tecnológicas de ventanillas únicas empresariales: Lecciones aprendidas de Chile, Perú y Uruguay
Authors: King Dana Michael , Benítez Molina Juan Carlos
Published: March 2024

Teniendo en cuenta la importancia de las ventanillas únicas empresariales (VUE) para mejorar la eficiencia del desarrollo de los negocios, el presente trabajo procura examinar las diferentes experiencias que han tenido lugar en Chile, Perú y Uruguay para proveer servicios en línea para la creación de empresas. A partir de estas experiencias, se elabora un conjunto de lecciones aprendidas sobre el proceso de diseño e implementación de VUE con el objetivo de que constituya un insumo para aquellos países que deseen llevar a la práctica este tipo de iniciativas.
Bancarización de las remesas de inmigrantes nicaragüenses en Costa Rica
Authors: Lizano Fait Eduardo , Monge-González Ricardo
Published: March 2024

Estudio sobre el caso de las remesas de Costa Rica hacia Nicaragua y la bancarización como mecanismo para reducir el costo de envío de las mismas
República Dominicana: Desafíos de la Inserción en la Economía Global
Authors: Vodusek Ziga , Granados Jaime , Illarieti C. Pablo A. , Gutiérrez Rocha Mario , Opertti Fabrizio
Published: March 2024

Este informe presenta un diagnóstico y señala los principales desafíos que la República Dominicana enfrenta en su proceso de integración en la economía global, con el propósito de proponer algunas recomendaciones de política en el área de comercio e inversión.
Ciencia tecnología e innovación en Uruguay: Avances, desafíos, y posibles áreas de cooperación con el BID
Authors: Angelelli Pablo
Published: March 2024

Analiza las principales características, reformas recientes y desafíos del sistema nacional de innovación uruguayo. Este documento forma parte de un conjunto de estudios realizados por el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) para respaldar la definición de la estrategia con el Uruguay para el periodo 2010-2014. Se presenta como marco analítico el enfoque de sistema nacional de innovación, evaluando sus funciones principales, la evolución e interacción de sus componentes y las políticas e instrumentos que se han implementado para fortalecerlo y los desafíos que enfrenta hacia el futuro.
Comprendiendo el programa desnutrición cero en Bolivia: Un análisis de redes y actores
Authors: Pando Eduardo , Morales Natasha , Johannsen Julia
Published: March 2024

Este estudio trata de comprender el proceso de implementación del Programa Desnutrición Cero en Bolivia a través del Análisis de Redes Sociales (ARS). Desde el año 2006 este Programa ha crecido substancialmente tanto en su cobertura como en su capacidad institucional. El estudio busca responder; ¿Cuáles son los factores que crean condiciones favorables para la implementación del Programa?, ¿Cómo ha logrado el Programa posicionarse (o no) en la Agenda de la Prefectura y del Municipio?, ¿Cuán efectivo y sostenible es este posicionamiento?
Consorcios Tecnológicos en América Latina: Una primera exploración de los casos de Argentina, Chile, Colombia y Uruguay
Authors: Benavente José Miguel , Contreras Carmen , Contreras José Luis , Alvarez Roberto
Published: March 2024

Este estudio analiza las características y los resultados de programas para promover consorcios tecnológicos en cuatro economías latinoamericanas: Argentina, Chile, Colombia y Uruguay. Se basa en información de beneficiarios y programas recogida a partir de una encuesta electrónica y entrevistas personales a responsables de política, empresarios e investigadores de los países estudiados.
Consulta a tomadores de decisión en políticas públicas de ciencia, tecnología e innovación sobre sus fuentes de información
Authors: Garcé Adolfo , Bernheim Ruth , Hernández Elisa
Published: March 2024

Este trabajo se estructura en tres partes. En la primera parte se exponen los Aspectos conceptuales y metodológicos vinculados a la investigación (metodología, marco teórico y antecedentes). En la segunda parte, se presenta un análisis descriptivo de los Principales resultados de la investigación, desde una perspectiva comparada entre los países participantes de Proyecto. En particular, en esta parte se analizan los obstáculos que se interponen al uso de las Encuestas de Innovación como insumos en las políticas del sector, distinguiendo problemas de oferta, de demanda y de interfase entre oferta y demanda, así como algunas tensiones identificadas en el escenario de la toma de decisiones de la política de CTI. Finalmente, se presentan algunas Reflexiones finales del estudio: síntesis y recomendaciones.
El impacto de PARSalud sobre la calidad de la atención de salud materna entre la población indígena
Authors: Díaz Juan José , Jaramillo Miguel
Published: March 2024

Da a conocer El impacto del programa PARSalud sobre la calidad de la atención de la salud materna en la población indígena. Menciona el impacto del programa en cuanto a calidad de la atención a las madres quechuas.
Grupos Focales de Centro América: Julio 28, 29, y 30 del 2003 (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras)
Authors:   Pew Hispanic Center,   Bendixen and Amandi,   Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Published: March 2024

Resumen Ejecutivo de los resultados y análisis de la encuesta acerca de los receptores de remesas en América Central (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras)
Industrias culturales en la web 2.0 (Anexo: Estudio de buenas prácticas)
Authors: Casacuberta David
Published: March 2024

Portal de turismo rural que crea una serie de opciones para que los propietarios de alojamientos rurales en España puedan comunicarse entre ellos, compartir información, realizar consultas a la comunidad, y ofertar sus alojamientos en la red mediante la legitimación colectiva. La principal funcionalidad de la comunidad es la comunicación entre los propietarios de casas rurales con el objetivo principal de compartir experiencias e información de utilidad sobre todo tipo de temas relacionado con el negocio del turismo rural.
Inequidad en los aprendizajes escolares en Latinoamérica
Authors: Moreno Martín , Duarte Jesús , Bos María Soledad
Published: March 2024

Utilizando la base de datos del Segundo Estudio Regional Comparativo y Explicativo (SERCE) realizado en el 2006, se confirma que existe una relación positiva y significativa entre la condición socioeconómica de los estudiantes y los resultados en el SERCE. Al descomponer esta relación se descompone al interior de las escuelas y entre las escuelas, se observa que la condición socioeconómica explica una parte significativa de la variabilidad de los puntajes de la prueba entre las escuelas y una parte mucho menor de la variabilidad al interior de la escuela. Esto resulta en una alta segregación socioeconómica entre las escuelas que acentúa la relación entre la condición socioeconómica de los estudiantes y los resultados de la prueba.