June 29, 2023. This Thursday the Territorial Hub of Arica and Parinacota was officially presented, with the presence of several public institutions, private companies and academia from the region. With more than 100 participants, Regional Governor Jorge Díaz Ibarra, together with Mr. Juan Arcaya Puente, Manager of the Territorial Development Corporation and Mr. Marco Dini Ebli, Economic Affairs Officer of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL), made the public launch.
At the beginning of the event, Mr. Jorge Díaz Ibarra, greeted those present in the virtual room and said “We clearly understand that having technological tools that allow us to concentrate, guide and prioritize public investment is essential for the development of Arica and Parinacota” .
The Regional Governor thanked the work carried out by ECLAC in the region and affirmed that they receive the platform with enthusiasm, pleasure and hope. He mandated the Territorial Development Corporation of the region, so that they give continuity to the Territorial Hub of Arica and Parinacota, not only managing it but also carrying out complementary functions so that it can be further strengthened.
For his part, Juan Arcaya Puente, said that the Hub “should be a place where entrepreneurs, researchers and professionals from different sectors come together to promote innovation, competitiveness and economic growth in the region. This tool should serve the authorities and decision makers to be able to know the information that exists and efficiently execute public policies for innovation and competitiveness in the region”.
ECLAC’s Economic Affairs Officer, Marco Dini Ebli, said that the Territorial Hub of Arica and Parinacota has a good prognosis because it has deep roots, since ECLAC has been working in the region for some time, together with the University of Tarapacá, on the binational project of productive ecosystem of Arica-Parinacota and Tacna, dating back to 2018. He also mentioned that the commitment of the Regional Government is encouraging and can make the Hub a living, active and powerful instrument.
ECLAC consultant, Marcela Aedo Aedo, presented the digital tool and said that the initiative offers a meeting point that provides information on activities, services and projects related to innovation in the region. This effort is aligned with the different institutional strategies that seek to strengthen synergies between territorial actors and generate opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development.
At the end of the presentation of the Hub, the Manager of the Corporation shared with the audience the following steps: he mentioned that they will present a program to the Regional Government to keep the digital tool updated and constantly updated, and it will be complemented by the development of courses and face-to-face training and online by specialists in each area of interest.
In addition, he said that consultancies and studies will be offered, according to demand, such as market studies, cost analysis, project evaluation, etc. They also plan to hold an Innovation Fair, to show what progress has been made in the projects financed by the Innovation Fund for Competitiveness.
Finally, he mentioned that, in the Corporation’s future facilities, space and equipment will be considered for temporary rent and at a low cost, for new entrepreneurs who need meeting rooms, exhibitions, and work areas.
To get to know the Territorial Hub of Arica and Parinacota, we invite you to explore the platform at https://hubaricayparinacota.cl/
