Resumen

ALBORNOZ, Mario. Indicadores de innovación: las dificultades de un concepto en evolución. Rev. iberoam. cienc. tecnol. soc. [online]. 2009, vol.5, n.13, pp.9-25. ISSN 1850-0013.

Measuring innovation seems to be installed in the safe grounds of the manuals based on consensus and survey forms internationally used. Nonetheless, there is one aspect of this matter that has not been fully resolved yet. What is the explanatory value of these methodologies -and the indicators that are built as a consequence- in relation to their universal validity? On one hand, this paper aims at exploring the conceptual frontiers of the term "innovation", examining the evolution of innovation policies around the world and reviewing the efficiency accomplished in past and present experiences. On the other hand, it aims at pondering about the applicability of the term "innovation" in the analysis of economic and social development in Latin American countries. It will finally try to point out some specific precautions that should be taken while elaborating innovation indicators for this particular region.

Palabras clave : Innovation; Indicators; Innovation policies; Latin America.