Science, technology and innovation have played a proven key role in countries’ growth and development strategies; in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, their importance has become even clearer. The inadequate scientific-technological situation of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and their inability to respond to production demands in the field of medicine have made it necessary to rethink the region’s innovation systems, their components and institutional framework, and the link between their key actors. However, it is not a question of strengthening technologicalproductive systems as they were previously conceived. Today, consideration must be given to both the importance of scientific and technological capabilities and to the development of more cross-cutting systems in which innovation and entrepreneurship form the basis of more resilient, inclusive and sustainable economies and societies. The panel will review some of the main strengths and weaknesses of innovation systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries and discuss the possibilities of creating spaces for convergence and joint action, to build regional productive and technological systems around strategic sectors. It is hoped that these activities will contribute to a transformative recovery and lay the foundations for a new pattern of development in the region.