The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has loaned Argentina its second installment of the $750 million Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP). The five-year, $200 million Technology Innovation Program Part II, which follows a $100 million loan in 2009, will be overseen by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation and the National Agency for Promoting Science and Technology. The program will support myriad projects, including the implementation of at least seven major projects in such strategic sectors as agribusiness, energy, health and the environment; 500 projects to tackle regional problems, aid up-and-coming companies and consolidate scientific findings; and 11 projects to improve R&D infrastructure that focus on a better relationship between society and the private sector. The funds will also support 15 research programs run by nonprofit R&D institutions, give businesses grants to fund up to half of the costs of 180 innovation and technological development projects, and establish a new fund to deal with R&D challenges in environment and climate change.

Source: IDB