Argentina faces severe scientific research and R&D investment crisis

Argentina is facing a severe crisis in its scientific and technological sector, characterized by a significant decline in research and development (R&D) investment. Projections suggest that by 2026, investment in science and technology could fall to just 0.14% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a level lower than the historic lows seen in 2002.

This decline places Argentina significantly behind global leaders. While countries like South Korea invest approximately 5.2% of their GDP in these sectors, and the United States and Japan hover around 3.5%, Argentina's projected levels are even lower than the average for African nations. Furthermore, Brazil is estimated to invest nearly ten times more than the current Argentine scientific system.

Beyond the national decline, there is a profound geographic imbalance in how resources are distributed. Historical data indicates that five jurisdictions—CABA, Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Río Negro, and Santa Fe—account for over 80% of all R&D investment in the country, leaving the remaining provinces with a minimal share of the total.