“Development Without Illusions”. Progressive Politics and Structural Constraints in the Global South
Join UCL IIPP to explore Uruguay’s development path, highlighting innovation, state strategy, and coordination to drive inclusive growth amid global shifts and technological challenges.
“Development Without Illusions”. Progressive Politics and Structural Constraints in the Global South
08 May 2026, 12:00 – 13:00
Join via Zoom
This event is organised by the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (UCL IIPP). Explore more IIPP events here.
About this talk:
This talk examines the challenges of building a viable development model in the Global South through the case of Uruguay. It situates the discussion within current geopolitical tensions and the shifting political landscape of Latin America, highlighting the constraints and opportunities faced by progressive governments.
The presentation explores the central dilemma of achieving sustained economic growth to finance inclusive social policies, while advancing structural transformation. It discusses the role of innovation in reshaping productive structures, alongside emerging risks linked to digital and technological dependency.
Framed by the idea of shaping markets, not fixing them, the talk reflects on the role of the entrepreneurial state and the importance of multi-actor coordination—across government, firms, workers, and academia—in shaping a National Development Strategy. Particular attention is given to mission-oriented policies as a framework to align public action with long-term development goals.
Meet the panel:
- Chair: Dr Cecilia Rikap | Head of Research and Associate Professor in Economics at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP)
- Juan Ignacio Dorrego | President of Uruguay’s National Development Agency (ANDE)
Head of Research and Associate Professor in Economics
UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP)Cecilia Rikap (PhD in economics from the Universidad de Buenos Aires) is associate professor in Economics and Head of Research at IIPP- UCL. Until joining UCL, she was a permanent Senior Lecturer in International Political Economy (IPE) at City, University of London and programme director of the BSc in IPE at the same university. She is a tenure researcher of the CONICET, Argentina’s national research council, and associate researcher at COSTECH lab, Université de Technologie de Compiègne.
Juan Ignacio Dorrego is President of Uruguay’s National Development Agency and a policymaker focused on innovation-led development in the Global South. His work explores how states can shape markets to drive structural transformation, with a particular focus on the bioeconomy, circular economy, and mission-oriented policies. He holds a PhD in Management, Finance, and Accounting, and an MSc in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London.
Further information
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