Innovation involves the continuous improvement of existing processes and adaptation to changes in the environment, as well as the introduction of innovative ideas, products, services, or processes. It is a means to improve efficiency, competitiveness, and economic growth.

Innovation rarely occurs in isolation: it is a multidisciplinary and interactive process that increasingly involves the collaboration of various actors and users. According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), "innovation does not thrive through the isolated actions of individual companies but depends on a wide range of interrelated actors (companies, research institutes, incubators, governments, industry associations) and, among them, a culture of risk-taking, regulation, cooperation”.[1] Thus, an innovation ecosystem is created.

Like other sectors of the economy, the port sector cannot develop and be competitive without innovation. Thus, port innovation involves the adoption of innovative technologies, processes, and practices in the management and operation of ports to improve their efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Automation, renewable energies, digitalisation, and the implementation of innovative technologies (such as IoT, AI, robotics, among others) are some of the ways in which ports can innovate to improve their management and operations.

The port industry is in a process of constant change, and innovation is key to facing the challenges of the future, in a sustainable manner and for the progress of the countries. In order to take advantage of the opportunities offered by innovative technologies, it is important to promote strategies that improve the human capital linked to the sector.[2]

In this regard, this seminar will be a space to analyse the lessons learned and best innovative practices of some ports and technology centres worldwide, as well as to make known the challenges they have faced to advance through the waves of innovation.[3]

This exchange of experiences and knowledge will make it possible to identify best practices related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda to achieve inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable port areas through innovation, improved technological capacities and the use of clean energies. In this connection, synergies will be generated to promote and boost trade and the economic, social, and environmental growth.[4]

In order to improve efficiency, sustainability, and regional port competitiveness, it is necessary to implement a series of innovative strategies and technologies to optimise logistics processes and reduce the environmental impact of port operations, both at the local and regional levels. In this regard, SELA is committed to promoting the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure, environmentally sound technologies and their transfer, and the use of green energies; and to supporting research and innovation in Latin American and Caribbean countries.[5]

[1] Mendes, J., Furió, S. and de Langen, P. (2023). Ecosistema de innovación en puertos: benchmarking internacional y recomendaciones para el desarrollo en América Latina. IDB Technical Note; 2665.

[2] Sánchez, R. and Mouftier, L. Reflexiones sobre el futuro de los puertos: del estrés actual al cambio y la innovación el futuro. FAL Bulletin, No. 352. Santiago, Chile, ECLAC.

[3] A term used by the economist Joseph Schumpeter in 1942, the theory of "creative destruction," which suggests that economic cycles operate under long waves of innovation.

[4] Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9, and 17.

[5] Goals set out in the Work Programme of SELA for 2022-2026, Thematic Area: Digitalisation and Infrastructure.

To present global and regional advances and initiatives in research, development and innovation (R&D&I) associated with the port sector, with a view to improving port efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.

The Seminar is being organised by the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA), through the Network of Digital and Collaborative Ports (D&C)

Date: 04 and 05 October 2023.
Time: 09:30 – 12:30 (Caracas time | GMT-4)
Modality:The Seminar will be held virtually.
Registry link: https://bit.ly/45OjVXW
Language: Spanish, with simultaneous interpretation to English.

For additional information, please contact:

At the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA):

• Coordination of Economic Recovery
  E-mail: recuperacion_economica@sela.org

• José Miguel Rovira, Coordination of Economic Recovery
  E-mail: jrovira@sela.org

• Elisabet Torres, Analyst of Economic Recovery 
  E-mail: etorres@sela.org