2014 Medellin Blog: Panel - More Jobs and More Growth; Lessons from Technology Leaders

By
Rachel Glickhouse

Panelists addressed some of the key issues around innovation in Latin American businesses.

Speakers:

  • José Antonio Ríos, Chairman and CEO, Celistics
  • Joel Schwartz, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMC
  • Andres Giolito, Country Manager, Globant Colombia
  • Claudia Vazquez, Vice President, CA Technologies
  • Natalia Estefania Botero, Journalist, El Colombiano

Panelists addressed some of the key issues surrounding innovation in Latin American businesses, ranging from "disruptive" tendencies to reaching global markets.

Celistics' José Antonio Ríos said that in Latin America, people shouldn't remain stuck in the past and must seek a new paradigm. "We have to embrace the latest technology to close the productivity gap," he said. One advantage Latin America has is a large youth population, representing faster technology adoption. Also, the Pacific Alliance represents a chance for tech companies to reach Asian markets.

EMC's Joel Schwartz gave advice to technology companies in Latin America, suggesting they should be flexible, but not afraid to fail. He noted tech companies should hire young people, who bring vitality to the business. He also said companies should empower people to share ideas, since success means companies are less willing to be disruptive.

CA Technologies' Claudia Vazquez focused on small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), saying it's time for Latin American SMEs to internationalize and trust in technology. These companies need to realize the limits of traditional channels and create disruptive models, she said. Globant's Andrés Giolito said the challenge for SMEs is thinking big, and realizing markets aren within reach.

Watch the panel (en español).