Brazil's Technology Sector
Abstract
This study provides a general assessment of major science and technology (S&T) developments in Brazil. The report is organized into eight sections: key findings, an introduction to the topic of S&T activities in Brazil, an overview of the Brazilian government, government S&T policy, funding for research and development (R&D), S&T priorities and the domestic and foreign participants in R&D, threats to and opportunities for pursuing S&T development, and a conclusion. Prominent Brazilian research facilities and their respective specialties are listed in an Appendix. Since 2003, the government of Brazil has provided unprecedented levels of funding for domestic R&D and established incentives to increase private-sector involvement in R&D, such as strengthening intellectual property laws and tax incentives for R&D. The government has also prioritized support and development of certain sectors, specifically nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and software. Other fields that have received significant government support are agriculture, alternative energies, and space research. Military S&T has suffered from nearly two decades of funding neglect, but Brazilian entities have produced impressive armored vehicles, aircraft, artillery, and missiles. In all of these fields, private-sector and foreign participation are low relative to that of public research entities, particularly universities, but various signs suggest this is changing. Brazil R&D appears to have substantial potential to significantly improve the country's domestic economic and social development and to increase Brazil's international economic influence, However, the pervasive lack of innovation by private entities, isolation from international markets, and other indicators suggest Brazil's increased R&D efforts may not have any significant economic or political effects outside the country's borders in the foreseeable future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA519788
Entities
People
- William N. Ivey
Organizations
- Library of Congress