VZCZCXYZ0007
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHBU #0517 1122034
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 212034Z APR 08
FM AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0836
INFO RUCNMER/MERCOSUR COLLECTIVE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEANAT/NASA WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000517
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
FOR WHA/BSC AND OES/PCI
COMMERCE FOR ALEXANDER PEACHER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TSPL TSPA SCUL PREL AR
SUBJECT: ARGENTINA: A/S SHANNON DISCUSSES COOPERATION WITH
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MINISTER BARANAO
REF: BUENOS AIRES 00273
Summary
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1. Innovation and cooperation were the major themes of A/S
Shannon,s meeting with Minister of Science and Technology
Lino Baranao on April 11. Baranao and A/S Shannon agreed
that partnership on S issues is mutually beneficial and
should be included in the framework for bilateral cooperation
arising from Shannon's visit. Baranao agreed to work more
closely with innovation-driven U.S. companies. To kick-start
that relationship, Baranao committed to attend a roundtable
discussion with such companies that Ambassador Wayne will
host. End Summary.
Innovation and Cooperation
--------------------------
2. During an April 11 meeting with A/S Shannon and
Ambassador Wayne, Baranao emphasized his vision for a more
innovative, internationally competitive Argentine S sector
(Reftel). He seemed to embrace the prospect of working
together with the United States in areas of mutual interest,
saying that Argentina cannot reach its S goals alone. A/S
Shannon agreed that our positive bilateral agenda with
Argentina goes beyond mere politics, and told Baranao that he
wants to incorporate S collaboration into the bilateral
framework for cooperation arising from his visit.
3. Baranao believes that Argentina is entering a "new era"
of cooperation with sovereign and private sector partners.
The creation of the new Science and Technology Ministry makes
high-level cooperation easier, according to Baranao, who sees
interaction with various partners as the best way for
Argentina to move forward towards its goals. He particularly
wants to encourage entrepreneurship within Argentina,s
scientific community, changing a national scientific culture
that he said still finds something discreditable about
turning research into profit. Baranao sees the United States
as a model of entrepreneurial spirit. A/S Shannon concurred
that scientific breakthroughs often lead to commercial
breakthroughs, contributing to a vibrant economy.
Common Ground and Common Goals
------------------------------
4. Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship will require
stronger protections of Intellectual Property Rights, Baranao
acknowledged. He said that Argentina hopes to attract more
investments from multinational companies, specifically
mentioning his interest in the fields of biomedical research,
bio-technology and nanotechnology.
5. Ambassador Wayne suggested that the embassy organize a
roundtable with U.S. private sector participants to
brainstorm ideas for future S cooperation. Baranao liked
the idea and said that he would be pleased to attend such an
event after his upcoming trip to Europe. Ambassador Wayne
also invited Baranao to partner with the embassy in promoting
S issues at Buenos Aires, annual International Book Fair,
a major Public Diplomacy event for the embassy. Baranao
promised to consider the idea, and agreed that it was
important to find ways to make science more appealing to
youth. A/S Shannon wrapped up by stressing that the United
States is enthusiastic about broadening and deepening what
has been a long-standing and fruitful bilateral cooperation
in the areas of science, technology and education.
Comment
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6. A frequently-raised complaint of the U.S. business
community in Argentina is that companies lack access to
higher levels of the Argentine government. Baranao's
agreement to meet with U.S. companies at the ambassador's
residence should therefore be an excellent opportunity for
those companies. Baranao, who lived and worked for over
three years in the U.S., evinces good will towards our
country. We will work to parlay that sentiment toward an
even fuller and mutually beneficial science and technology
relationship with Argentina.
WAYNE