Universities, Inclusive Development, and Social Innovation: Does That Debate Matter in Cuba?

Abstract

We argue in this chapter that the role of universities in the Cuban innovation system is becoming increasingly important for solving social, economic, and environmental problems in the country. The chapter also discusses why concepts such as social innovation and inclusive innovation are not mentioned (so far) in Cuban policy documents. There are, however, many examples of what could be called social innovations in Cuba, related not least to the dynamic biotech sector in Cuba. We discuss the potential of the university to generate innovations that promote social inclusion and sustainable development. Main barriers to such efforts include a narrow approach to social innovation and a lack of understanding of innovation as a systemic process. Cuba’s STI policy remains top-down and without an explicit strategy on social innovation. The chapter concludes with a discussion of some of major challenges that STI and Higher Education policies face towards the goal of social inclusion.