The formation of new highly trained human resources is considered a key factor for social, cultural and economic development. During the last years, Chile has made a significant effort to increase the amount of Ph.D researchers. Nevertheless, there is no evidence from the National Innovation System (NIS) regarding the insertion capacity for this duplicated population of new researchers in the local labor market. Under such point of view, public investment is eventually under risk, due to the sub-optimal conditions to absorb and employ these professionals in activities related to science research and technological development in Chile.

In view of the current global context, which challenges are facing science-and technology-based developments and cooperation in a way to contribute for policies that stimulate localized learning, innovation and endogenous development in Latin America? This broad question has motivated the work behind the Special Issue introduced by this paper, which considers the development of case studies in selected Latin America regions. The analysis lead us to argue that value-based networks have the potential to make both public policies and markets more effective, promoting learning trajectories for the inclusive development of regions. But they require effective public investments to keep attracting and qualifying human resources, together with long-term developments towards technical industries and export capacity for emerging markets worldwide. Our analysis argues about the unique potential for further developing Latin America through strategic international, knowledge-based ventures, exploring the emerging role the internationalization of universities and scientific institutions may play at a global level. Above all, they require the systematic observation of science and technical change in international comparison, as well as a relational infrastructure for collective action, at an international level, in a context much influenced by a dynamic of change and a necessary balance between the creation and diffusion of knowledge towards the endogenous development of all parts involved. The role of Latin America Universities and science policies based on international cooperation are considered to be particularly important in this process.