Regarding policies for production transformation, a Development Strategy for 2050 is currently being formulated, incorporating the contributions made during the 2015-2020 period and establishing three strategic axes for development, the first of which is sustainable production transformation. Its primary objective is to promote dynamic and technological activities across six major productive complexes, including information and communications technology, renewable energy and creative industries. Moreover, the Agenda Uruguay Digital 2025 fosters digitalisation nationwide through five priority action areas, including digital transformation in productive sectors and new strategies for employment, such as technological training.
Regarding public financing mechanisms for production transformation, the Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay (BROU) offers various services and credit lines for training, modernisation and the enhancement of business sustainability. Instruments include clean production consulting and loans for equipment or environmental improvements, such as issuing carbon certificates and increasing energy efficiency. Particularly noteworthy is the BROU Sostenible programme, which provides special rates, a percentage of financing coverage and technical evaluation for companies promoting the green transition. In addition, the Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación offers different instruments, including funds for the purchase of scientific infrastructure, graduate scholarships for researchers and financing either for business innovation projects or for research and innovation. Furthermore, the Inter-American Development Bank has allocated USD 100 million to Uruguay through its Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects to foster productivity, human capital and research in the country. With the support of the Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund, the Renewable Energy Innovation Fund was created to activate large-scale financing and technical assistance for emerging green projects that are driving the second energy transition in four key areas.
In terms of international partnerships for production transformation, several initiatives have been established with the European Union to promote the green transition in Uruguay. Besides Euroclima, these include the Development in Transition project, which promotes innovative business models; the Green Impulse initiative, which incorporates sustainability and innovation in industry; and the InsPYraME UE 2.0 project, which fosters sustainable production among micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework 2023-2027 supports Uruguay’s transition towards green hydrogen, electric transportation and agro-ecological production systems with more than USD 690 million in funding. The programme BIOFIN of the United Nations Development Programme promotes the design and implementation of comprehensive and sustainable financing strategies for biodiversity to ensure a protected and inclusive use of biodiversity. Finally, a memorandum of understanding was established with Brazil to foster digitalisation in both countries.