[Science and technology for the new millenium]

The arrival of the new millennium move us to make a series of reflections about the status of Science and Technology in Venezuela and consequently, in Latin America. It seems that we have not understood yet, that having strong Science and Technology put us in a more advantageous position to cope with the problems related to our underdevelopment. Decisive and expeditious actions are required in Venezuela and Latin America to reduce the scientific and technological gap between developed and underdeveloped countries. These actions can be portrayed in two possible scenarios. The first one, dealing with scientific funding of basic and applied research focused on areas of critical need. Central, regional and local governments must share responsibilities for scientific development and hence, to provide appropriate funding for scientific research. The financing of personnel and the acquisition of equipment and materials for qualified scientists and research centers should be guaranteed. The second scenario deals with universities and superior education institutions which should match their curricula to contemporaneous knowledge, and to assume their role as science promoters through a creditable scientific leadership. Also, they must provide affordable opportunities for teachers and scientists to catch up with the continuing and progressive advance of science, through the establishment of inter-institutional agreements in Venezuela and abroad which would allow Venezuelan scientists to participate in joint research ventures, and therefore, to be in touch with knowledge and technologies not available in our countries.