Clara and Scienti Networks: Technology and Information for Knowledge Building in the Latin American Scientific Community

Knowledge-based development produces wealth and opens the frontiers of competitiveness, technological innovation and wealth distribution. In developed countries the process is intrinsically bound to the ability in producing innovation and the dynamics of network knowledge construction. Within this process the academic and research communities participate effectively in the dynamics of knowledge and innovation, an environment strongly based on Information and Communication Technology (ICTs). However, when compared to the developed countries’ dynamics, the formation of such communities in Latin America is rare. In this context CLARA (Latin American Cooperation in Advanced Networks) and ScienTI (Information and Knowledge Network in Science, Technology and Innovation) networks are strategies for the establishment, dissemination and foment of scientific knowledge in Latin America. CLARA network integrates national academy networks in Latin America linking some 700 universities and research centers in the area. ScienTI network establishes and links scientific information sources in eleven countries within the area. The formation of a gigantic Latin American research community linking researchers, projects, studies and researches has an important role in the building of the world of science and education of the future. The formation and the functioning of the networks will be discussed from the point of view of community’s knowledge building in Latin America.