Secretaria Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia

The Secretaria Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (National Secretariat of Science and Technology), SENACYT, is the government technical body responsible for implementing policies for science, technology and innovation in Ecuador. It's an autonomous agency of the Minister of Planning and National Development. SENACYT works alongside universities and private sector to promote applied research. The major focus of research has been in agriculture and environmental impact on raw material extraction. The National Secretary of Science and Technology, Dr. Ruben Berrocal, was sworn in on July 10, 2008. He succeeds Pedro Montalvo Carrera. Dr Berrocal, after taking over, has put in place several proactive steps to make the country a knowledge hub.