1. Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468 Green Tech: The role of Universities in Central America Professor Dr. Henning Jensen Vice-President for Reseach University of Costa Rica

2. Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468 Alternatives promote TechnologyEcology Green Tech: The role of Universities in Central America In Central American countries the adoption of green technologies is promoted as a strategy for the sustainable development of countries and has been recognized as part of actions to promote free trade agreements (FTAs). In these countries with agricultural potential and a rapid expansion in information technology: the alternatives focus on alternative sources, new forms of power generation and energy efficiency, waste management, among others. Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America

3. Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468 Green Tech: The role of Universities in Central America The transition to green technologies is still incipient and Central American countries have different degrees of progress. However, there are new policies in Central America that sets new challenges on environmental matters as result of commercial relationships with other countries. For example, Cooperation Agreement USAID / CCAD / CAFTA-DR, has defined and prioritized the use of clean technologies, which is focused in the improve of the environmental performance of private sector production hand in hand with economic growth. Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America

4. Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468 Green Tech: The role of Universities in Central America Regional NCPCs that promote cleaner production practices that increase energy and water savings and decrease pollution are gaining traction in Latin America as a way to “green” supply chains, save money, and increase competitiveness, while reducing consumption of natural resources and decreasing carbon emissions. However, the number of professionals trained to implement cleaner production practices is not keeping pace with the rising demand. Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America

5. Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468 NCPCs Universities Government agencies Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America

6. Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468 Better communication with the private sector would improve the understanding of private sector needs, thus allowing the NCPCs and universities to develop curriculum and training programs that are more targeted. Increased dialogue through roundtable discussions would also help trainings and research keep pace with the rapidly changing needs of the private sector.. The universities and companies form mutually beneficial partnerships and provide opportunities for students to interact with companies in a way that benefits both parties. The development of a formal cleaner production network with representation from all sectors – public, private, academic, and non-profit. Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America

7. Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468 Green Tech: The role of Universities in Central America In Costa Rica, the transition to green technology has made ​​ significant progress, there are initiatives on regulatory issues. The country has also proposed to become "carbon neutral" in 2021. The MINAET promotes the implementation of concrete actions and processes and / or projects to prevent, reduce and mitigate the environmental impacts of activities, products or services. Also promotes social responsibility and recognizes companies and organizations for their contribution to environmental performance. Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America

8. Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468 Energetic bio-materials and non-combustible bio materials Biomaterials production: cultivation of non-food raw materials for the production of bio-energy: (i) to bring the country into C-neutral regime, (ii) to ensure that serve as raw materials and (iii) for biomass production. Use of waste oil palm and banana waste as solid fuels and use of pineapple waste as oxygenate additive in gasoline. Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America

9. Materials manufactured using nanotechnology: Nanosensors to improve the dosage of water and fertilizer plants, water purification systems and pollution control and new sources of sustainable and clean energy. Bamboo building system Wind turbine designed for medium height buildings Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468

10. Use of microorganisms in the waste management of waste from coffee, sugar cane and oil palm Community management of pests in Central America Use of economical materials (silicon) in the development of third generation solar cells for domestic use Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468

11. Green Tech: The role of Universities in Central America Use of new energy sources Alternatives proposed are directed towards the search for new biofuels and biomaterials Explore more efficient ways of energy production and consumption to guide to changes in energy consumption patterns, energy technology and equipment more efficient and sustainable use of renewable energy technologies Green Tech projects Allow Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America

12. Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Grant agreement n° 244468 Green Tech: The role of Universities in Central America Thank you for your attention e-mail: henning.jensen@ucr.ac.cr Enhancing Scientific Cooperation between the European Union and Central America