Assessment of Brazil's Research Literature
Abstract
This report analyzes tens of thousands of research papers by Brazilian authors drawn from global databases [Science Citation Index ("SCI") and Social Science Citation Index ("SSCI"), and the EI Compendex ("EC")]. The resulting profiles indicate Brazilian R&D strengths. These analyses show trends in Brazilian research and point to the leading research organizations. The Ministry of Science and Technology ("MCT") has primary responsibility for R&D and promotion of innovation. It oversees a complex organizational framework, and most Brazilian states have Science and Technology agencies, most notably, Sao Paulo. MCT currently strategically targets seven R&D domains: pharmaceutical, information and communication technologies, biomass and energy, capital goods, aerospace, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. In 2004, 20% of R&D was performed by the government, 40% by universities, and the remaining 40% by firms (private and public - e.g., Petrobras). Government funded 58% of that R&D activity; firms funded 40% (private and public); and universities, 2%. Brazil's public and private R&D accounts for approximately 1% of GDP. The leading industrial R&D sectors are transportation (37%), chemicals (12%), and energy (12%). Universities employ some 90% of the 48,000 PhD scientists. Leading research universities are mainly public, led by the University of Sao Paulo. Brazil's relatively strong R&D effort has not translated to strong rates of innovation. Interaction among the public, academic, and private sectors lags. Brazil actively publishes research results. Its profile in these S&T databases is substantial - some 18000 articles in 2006 in SCI/SSCI and some 6000 in EC.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 28, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA515318
Entities
People
- Alan L. Porter
- David J. Schoeneck
- Elena M. Berger
- Ronald N. Kostoff