Ciencia, tecnología e innovación: Biotecnología , seguridad alimentaria, tecnología e innovación

Abstract

"Completely separating the concepts of Science, Technology, and Innovation is unreasonable. These concepts converge in such a synergy that they directly support one another in the construction of a globalized world that demands: the creation of knowledge as a source of social and economic development, the technification of that knowledge, and the development of innovative models and structures that frame it.

Likewise, it is important to note that although these concepts have been rigorously structured over recent centuries, insofar as they relate to the evolution of humanity, there is still little awareness regarding their application.

Within this framework, science is understood as the accumulation of knowledge systematically constructed throughout history in order to respond to the realities that have arisen in different eras, societies, and cultures. It constitutes the foundation and platform that continuously nurtures and drives the spirit of research and, therefore, the body of notions and knowledge condensed through the advancement of technology and innovation.

For its part, the idea of technology is perceived as recent because it is a concept that has developed strongly over the last century; however, in retrospect, it has always been part of human evolution in the construction of individuals, societies, and worldviews. Thus, technology is established as the set of technical and organized knowledge generally aimed at addressing humanity’s problems or needs. This fact intrinsically links technology with science, where each feeds on the progress of the other, allowing both to grow simultaneously.

It is essential to understand that the dynamics generated around science and technology, as well as their structuring and constant updating, are due to one guiding foundation: innovation. Innovation provides the inventive and transformative spirit, establishing itself as a facilitator for responding to and solving problems or needs, always grounded in creativity, improvement, and optimization.

That said, science, technology, and innovation are largely responsible for the construction of the social fabric and, consequently, are inherently linked to academia. Therefore, the INCCA University of Colombia recognizes that the development of these categories is a fundamental exercise in the education of well-rounded individuals who, through their professional practice, positively impact their environment. In this regard, through academic spaces such as the Congress on Science, Technology, and Innovation, the institution seeks to support discussion and reflection on these topics through lectures and working groups.

Hence, through a collection of studies, reflections, and exchanges of experiences aimed at responding to a series of questions arising in nearby contexts and environments, this highly relevant text has been condensed in order to continue developing notions related to the proposed topics and to recognize their influence on daily life. This text was drafted with clarity and a technical approach to ensure access for different audiences, presenting three sections entitled: (i) Biotechnology and Natural Resource Management; (ii) Food Security; and (iii) Technology and Innovation.

The first section, Biotechnology and Natural Resource Management, is presented as the most extensive. It condenses a large number of chapters centered on biotechnology as a field of research, developing it as a vehicle capable of counteracting the various problems associated with environmental pollution and food security. In this respect, it brings together a series of studies intended to provide a different perspective on how to understand and address these scourges which, overall, directly affect the quality of life of societies. Likewise, it seeks to provide tools to support these topics from academia and, through it, strengthen the business and industrial sectors so that they may integrate into the dynamics demanded by globalization, but based on principles of social responsibility.

The second section, Food Security, initially develops an awareness of food not only as a biological necessity, but also as a fundamental process for the optimal development of each individual and how this notion directly impacts the construction of societies. In this sense, the chapters developed in this section seek to generate a framework that establishes criteria, models, and pathways for the transformation and development of food industries and related sectors based on sustainable production. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of food security through permanent access to food, its quality, transformation, and safe and reliable handling.

The third section, Technology and Innovation, contains a series of chapters aimed at renewing different contexts through research proposals grounded in the technification of systems and inventiveness. This demonstrates how technology facilitates the resolution of problems and needs that arise in everyday life. Likewise, the construction, development, and applicability of technology are approached under a framework of social responsibility that respects freedoms, the environment, and health. To this end, innovation has made it possible to assess the influence of technology on individuals’ lives and to rethink, through creativity, ways that enable dialogue between human beings and technologies.

In summary, the book Science, Technology, and Innovation: Biotechnology, Food Security, and Technology and Innovation presents a series of studies framed within the current demands of society, aimed at the conservation and proper management of natural resources, the sustainable production, distribution, and consumption of food, and the development of technology for transforming problems while at the same time preserving the essence of the human being."