Introduction

Carlota Perez' intellectual development and research interests have been well covered in other papers in this volume. This paper focuses on one lesser-known dimension of Perez' life long work, namely, her leading role in translating academic research into practical strategies and ways forward (called visions) for Latin America. Carlota's recent work in this area builds on substantial early working experience in carrying out import-substitution policies in Venezuela and her subsequent observations of (largely unsuccessful) attempts to move to export-led growth paths on the part of Latin American countries under ‘neoliberal’ or Washington Consensus policies.

Carlota Perez' working experience is very impressive. From 1975 to 1977, Carlota worked for the Institute of Foreign Trade (in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Venezuela) in charge of technology issues, then from 1980 to 1983 as director of technological development in the Ministry of Industry. From 1985 to 1987 she worked with members of CENTRIM, training innovation consultants in Venezuela. After this (until 1999) her work included various projects for both the Industry and S&T Ministries (including one for the Institute of Engineering that involved benchmarking S&T institutes around the world). Then from 1999 to 2002, Carlota worked as consultant to the Venezuelan oil holding company PDVSA, focusing on the R&D company INTEVEP. In addition, Carlota has advised the top management of major corporations, including IBM, on future techno-economic paradigms. This rich practical experience has fed back in to Carlota's research, giving it enormous practical resonance and relevance.