"Recovering the Lost Century of Growth: Building Learning Economies in Latin America and the Caribbean"

How can Latin America and the Caribbean unlock their full economic potential after decades of underperformance? What explains the region’s persistent inability to close the productivity gap with more advanced economies?

In this special session, Bill Maloney, Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank, will present a compelling argument for rethinking the region’s development model. Drawing on his extensive research, Mr. Maloney advocates for the creation of a true “learning economy”—one that promotes innovation, experimentation, and the widespread diffusion of knowledge.

He identifies two critical obstacles to growth: the slow adoption of technology and insufficient technical and managerial capabilities across industries and institutions. Addressing these challenges, he offers a roadmap for transforming the region’s economic landscape through targeted investments in human capital, stronger institutions, and innovation ecosystems.

This event is a unique opportunity to engage with one of the leading thinkers shaping economic policy in Latin America and to reflect on how the region can shift from stagnation to sustained, inclusive growth through the power of learning and innovation.