N at u r a l R e s o u r c e s ,
S u s ta i n a b i l i t y a n d
SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY,
AND INNOVATION IN
New Frontiers
Contents
1 Introduction
Incentives to innovation
Human capital
2 Strategic sectors
3
Information sources
4
Public sector
Private sector
Academia and civil society
Graphs, maps and statistics
Investments / economic data
2
Aerospace industry
Energy
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Agribusiness
Environment
Human Health
Nanotechnology
Biotechnology and genetic resources
Human capital
Patents
3
4
6
6
6
7
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8
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,AND INNOVATION IN BRAZIL
Natural resources, sustainability and new frontiers
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, Natural resources,
sustainability and
AND INNOVATION IN
new Frontiers
Investments in human resources, systematized financing policies, and regulatory frameworks
to support the sector have hoisted Brazil into a prominent position in science, technology, and
innovation in strategic fields such as energy, agribusiness, and the environment. The country’s
natural resource base has served as an important asset for the development of a thriving
innovation system, a key pillar of which is sustainability. Brazil has invested significantly on
two exciting fronts, biotechnology and nanotechnology, and sanctioned embryonic stem cell
research (May 2008). In addition to the efforts launched at the national level, Brazil has entered
into a range of technology transfer and cooperation arrangements with African countries to
contribute to food security in the region and ensure the full health of African populations.
1 Introduction
From the aerospace industry to agribusiness, biofuels
production to nanotechnology, Brazil stands at the
forefront of technology in strategic areas of economic
and social development. With the largest economy in Latin
America and the world’s 9th leading GDP, investment in
technology offers a valuable tool for fomenting growth.
By 2010, nearly 1.5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic
Product will be channeled to investments in research
and development, against 0.9% in 2004. The Brazilian
government’s Plan of Action in Science, Technology, and
Innovation for Nation Development (Plano de Ação em
Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação para o Desenvolvimento
Nacional – PACTI) provides for investments of nearly
US$ 22 billion by 2010.
Investments in R&D as a proportion of
GDP, by financing source, 2000-2010
Source: Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT)
Brazil’s efforts have borne rapid fruit, particularly given that
science, technology, and innovation are a relatively recent
endeavor in the country. The nation’s health – including
the Butantan Institute and the Oswaldo Cruz Institute –
and engineering and agriculture institutions were founded
beginning in 1889, marking the birth of Brazilian science
and technological pursuit. The higher education system
took shape with the creation of the universities of Rio de
Janeiro and São Paulo, the nation’s first, in the 1920’s.
In 1951, systematic funding for science was inaugurated
with the establishment of two national agencies, the National
Research Council (Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa),
currently the Science and Technology Development Council
(Conselho de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico CNPq), and the Coordinating Office for the Professional
Enhancement of Personnel with Higher Education Degrees
(Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível
Superior - CAPES), responsible for coordinating Brazil’s
graduate studies programs. The science sector was
further consolidated with the creation of the Research
and Projects Financing Agency (Financiadora de Estudos
e Projetos - FINEP) to foster Brazilian innovation and
FUNTEC, subsequently FNDCT, the National Fund for
Scientific and Technological Development.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has primary
responsibility for coordinating the national policy on
science, technology, and innovation and oversees a
network of research promotion bodies, including CNPq
and FINEP. Financing at the state level also plays an
important role through the implementation of Research
Promotion Foundations (Fundações de Amparo à Pesquisa
- FAP), currently operating in 22 states and the Federal
District. Inaugurated in 1962, the Research Promotion
Foundation of São Paulo (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa
do Estado de São Paulo - FAPESP) was the first entity
of its kind in Brazil. The remaining foundations were
established under the 1988 Constitution.
3
Incentives to innovation
employed in private companies, today overwhelmingly
concentrated in universities.
Launched in 2007, the Plan of Action in Science,
Technology, and Innovation for National Development
is aimed at consolidating the National ST&I System by
stimulating innovation in companies. The PACTI includes
resource allocations from the Ministry of Science and
Technology, FNDCT, the National Economic and Social
Development (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento
Econômico e Social - BNDES), as well as other ministries
and state-controlled enterprises. In addition to public
investments of approximately US$ 22 billion, the PACTI
projects an increase in private sector investment in
research and development from 0.50% of GDP in 2006
to 0.65% of GDP by 2010.
Yet, the regulatory frameworks and financing policies
adopted over the last ten years have contributed to a shift
in the setting above by stimulating private investment
in R&D and the interaction of key actors. Beginning in
1999, sectoral funds were created to channel a portion
of corporate taxes to R&D projects in strategic sectors.
There are today 16 sectoral funds. On the regulatory
front, Law 10973/2004, better known as the Innovation Act,
served to strengthen interaction between universities and
industry, directly assisting government efforts to promote
innovation within companies. For its part, Law 1119/2005
introduced a series of fiscal incentives for R&D investment
in the private sector, while also extending financing to
companies hiring candidates with graduate degrees.
According to the Technological Innovation Survey
(Pesquisa de Inovação Tecnológica - PINTEC), an
initiative of the Brazilian Institute of Geography
and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e
Estatística - IBGE), 33.4% of Brazilian industrial
enterprises secured at least one innovation in the 2003
to 2005 period. However, innovation in the majority of
companies was accomplished through the acquisition
of machinery and equipment, not in the end product,
indicating that challenges remain for Brazilian industry
in this area when set against the global context. A key
challenge involves boosting the number of scientists
Brazil’s institutional framework ensures respect for
intellectual property through the National Institute for
Industrial Property (Nacional da Propriedade Industrial INPI), a branch of the Ministry of Development, Industry,
and Foreign Trade (Ministério do Desenvolvimento,
Indústria e Comércio Exterior). According to INPI data,
Brazil currently ranks among the ten leading countries
in patent applications, with a total of 124,660 patent
deposits in 2008, almost 70% of which derived from
national enterprises, while leading the way in patent
applications in Latin America, with 26,232 last year.
Public institutions engaged in science and technology in Brazil
4
MCT
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT) coordinates the programs and actions
implemented under the National Policy on Science, Technology, and Innovation and
oversees a set of research promotion institutions, including CNPq and FINEP.
CNPq
The National Scientific and Technological Development Council is a federal agency
devoted to promoting research in science and technology and providing training to
human resources throughout the country.
Capes
The Coordinating Office for the Professional Enhancement of Personnel with Higher
Education Degrees, a branch of the Ministry of Education, promotes and coordinates
the support provided to graduate studies programs in Brazil and partnerships with
international institutions of higher learning.
FAPs
Research Support Foundations and Entities are agencies with responsibility for
fomenting scientific and technological research connected to state governments.
There are 22 FAPs in Brazil, including the Federal District.
FINEP
The Research and Projects Financing Agency is a government enterprise affiliated
to the MCT to foster research and support innovation projects in Brazil. FINEP
administrates the sectoral funds and operates programs such as PRIME, which
provides support to new business ventures, and Inova Brasil, aimed at small- and
medium-sized enterprises.
BNDES
The National Economic and Social Development Bank provides credit lines
and investment funds to promote innovation, in addition to offering sectoral
programs for technological development in aeronautics, digital TV, software, and
pharmaceuticals.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,AND INNOVATION IN BRAZIL
Natural resources, sustainability and new frontiers
Finep
The Research and Projects Financing Agency (Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos - Finep) provides support
to initiatives in companies, universities, technological institutes, research centers, and other public and private
institutions. Successful initiatives accomplished with agency financing include the development of the Tucano
airplane by the Brazilian Aeronautics Company (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica - Embraer) as well as an
array of projects undertaken by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa
Agropecuária - Embrapa) and Petrobras, in particular efforts contributing to the development of deepwater oil
exploration technology.
Finep manages a range of financial resources, including the Sectoral Funds in Science and Technology, a key
financing instrument for research, development, and innovation projects. There are currently 16 sectoral funds, 14
related to specific sectors and 2 spanning different areas of activity. The corresponding resources are generated
through various revenue sources, including royalties and financial compensations. At least 30% of the budgets
corresponding to the various funds must be directed to the North, Northeast, and Center-West regions, making
it an instrument of true national integration.
Aproved budget for 2009
(US$ million)
Fund
Sectors benefited
CT - AERONÁUTICO
Aeronautics, electronics, and mechanical
engineering.
19,7
CT - AGRO
Agronomy, veterinary medicine, biotechnology,
and agricultural economy and sociology.
48,6
CT - AMAZÔNIA
Research and development activities in the
Amazon.
12,2
CT - AQUAVIÁRIO
Water transportation, materials, and construction
processes, project repairs and maintenance.
22,6
CT - BIOTECNOLOGIA
Strengthening of infrastructure and companies in
the field of biotechnology, research.
21
CT - ENERG
Energy efficiency in final use, alternative sources,
and reduced waste, among other.
40
CT - ESPACIAL
Communications, remote sensoring, meteorology.
2,1
CT - HIDRO
Rational water use, sustainable development.
30,3
CT - INFO
Computer goods and services and automation.
22,1
CT - INFRA
Modernization of infrastructure and laboratories
and equipment purchases, among other measures.
184,1
CT - MINERAL
Technological development of small- and mediumsized enterprises; mineral exports.
6,9
CT - PETRO
Oil and natural gas production chain.
70,8
CT - SAÚDE
Public health, pharmaceutical products,
biotechnology, technological updating of medicalhospital equipment.
51
CT - TRANSPORTE
Civil engineering, transportation materials,
logistical, equipment, and software engineering.
358,9
CT - VERDE-AMARELO
Cooperation between productive sectors and
research centers; incentives to entrepreneurship
and risk investment in Brazil.
189,6
FUNTTEL
Technological innovation and development of the
Brazilian telecommunications industry.
32,5
5
Human capital
From 2007 to 2008, there was a 56% increase in
the number of published Brazilian scientific papers in
specialized international journals, boosting the country’s
global ranking in scientific output from 15th to 13th.
Brazil now stands ahead of several nations with long
scientific traditions and currently accounts for 2.12% of all
scientific production. From a representing a paltry 0.44%
of total output in 1981, the country has risen to become
a beacon of rapid growth in this area, advancing more
than 8% per year, compared to a global yearly average
of 2%. The ranking of scientific output is published by
Web of Science, and draws on a series of databases with
catalogued international articles and references to scientific
publications.
Brazilian scientific articles indexed in the ISI
(Institute for Scientific Information)
• Brazil currently accounts for 2.12% of global
scientific production
• The number of published papers increased 218%
from 2000 to 2008
for 2010. However, the total remains inadequate to meet
Brazil’s development needs, and continues to manifest
significant gaps in particular scientific fields.
Brazil has also endeavored to promote science and
technology for social development and the expansion
of science education. The Brazilian Public Schools Math
Olympics is the largest public school competition in the
world. In 2009, more than 19 million students, representing
99.1% of all municipalities, will take part in the event.
Another priority area has centered on disseminating
technologies to coordinate the search for solutions to
pressing social challenges, including health and basic
sanitation, coupled with investments in capacity-building
through the creation of 400 new vocational centers in
technology and 600 telecenters by 2010.
2 Strategic sectors
Investment in human resources, systematized
financing policies, and the implementation of regulatory
frameworks to support innovation are among the pillars
that have allowed Brazil to occupy an internationally
recognized position in strategic fields. The country is
today a global reference in deepwater oil exploration,
agribusiness software design, aerospace, and the
development of renewable energy sources, including
ethanol and biodiesel. Its contributions to neuroscience,
heart surgery, human genetics, and genetic sequencing
have been significant as well.
Aerospace industry
Source: Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT)
These varied achievements have been driven by
continuous and systematized training of qualified human
resources in Brazil, a pillar of the country’s scientific,
technological, and innovation promotion policies. The
Brazilian scientific community includes 210,000 active
scientists across private and public universities and
companies. The number of current master’s and Ph.D.
students is ten time higher than twenty years ago, and in
2006 a record 10,000 Ph.D. candidates were certified. The
goal is to produce 16,000 doctors and 45,000 masters by
2010.
The growing demand for qualified personnel in the
private sector and expansion of higher learning have
led to a nearly 79% increase in CNPq and CAPES study
grants, which climbed from 95,000 in 2006 to 170,000
6
One of the most innovative sectors in Brazil is
the aerospace industry, the largest in the Southern
Hemisphere. The city of São José dos Campos, São
Paulo, is the nerve center of Brazilian aeronautical
engineering and space sciences. Embraer, Brazil’s
leading aircraft manufacturer, is the world leader in
regional commercial jet aircraft (up to 120 seats) and
one of Brazil’s top exporters. As of 31 March 2009, the
company’s staff stood at 17,375 employees and delivery
orders totaled US$ 19.7 billion. Among the company’s
critical technological innovations is the Ipanema, the
world’s first biofuel-powered commercial aircraft.
Currently, Embraer aircraft crisscross the skies of 78
countries on five continents.
The roots of São José dos Campos as Brazil’s
engineering capital trace to the founding of the Air
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,AND INNOVATION IN BRAZIL
Natural resources, sustainability and new frontiers
Force Institute of Technology (Instituto Tecnológico da
Aeronáutica – ITA) in 1950, the country’s top aeronautical
engineering institute. The ITA is part of the Department
of Aerospace Sciences and Technology (Departamento
de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial – DCTA) of the
Ministry of Defense.
In the field of space research, the National Institute
for Space Research (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas
Espaciais – INPE), a branch of the MCT, is tasked with
studying and monitoring climate change. The Institute
operates one of the world’s eight most advanced weather
forecasting supercomputers. In partnership with China’s
Academy of Space Technology, the INPE developed a
family of CBERS satellites to generate critical images,
with view to controlling deforestation and burnings
in the Legal Amazon and monitoring water resources
and agricultural areas. The images are available on the
Internet free of charge and supplied to African countries
for purposes of supporting efforts to track burnings and
droughts.
Energy
Brazil is at the technological forefront of deepwater
oil and natural gas production and exploration. In
2008, major reserves were uncovered at depths of
nearly 6,000 meters below the ocean floor in an area
known as the Subsalt region. The discovery could vault
Brazil into the ranks of the world’s leading oil powers
in total reserves. Success in this area is grounded, in
large measure, on Brazil’s refinement and perfection of
advanced engineering techniques. To promote innovation,
Petrobras pours almost US$ 982.8 million into R&D
initiatives every year.
The Petrobras Research Center (Centro de Pesquisas
da Petrobras – CENPES) employs almost 2,000 staff
personnel and operates 137 laboratories. One of
CENPES’ projects is the Galileu Network, a research
consortium composed of five of the nation’s leading
universities aimed at developing solutions to the
challenges of oil exploration in the Subsalt region. The
laboratories will be interconnected through a computer
system capable of executing 180 trillion operations per
second (teraflops), one of the largest grids of its type.
Total project investments of US$ 70 million are forecast
by 2010.
In the field of biofuels, Brazil secured mastery of the
technologies employed in ethanol production in the 1970s.
Today, the country accounts for 43% of global ethanol
production. It is also a leading exporter of ethanol.
Some of the advances underlying Brazilian prowess
in the field include enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic
and lignocellulosic materials and flex fuel engines, an
effort pioneered by Brazil. Launched in 2003, flex fuel
engines allow vehicles and small aircraft to be powered
with a mix of gasoline and ethanol, in any proportion.
Additionally, in 2009 the Center for Bioethanol Science
and Technology (Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia do
Bioetanol – CTBE) was launched to contribute further
toward the development of the bioethanol supply chain.
Brazil has also invested in biodiesel production
technology. The National Program for Biodesel
Production and Use (Produção e Uso de Biodiesel –
PNPB) launched in 2004 is supported by a technological
network devoted to R&D in biodiesel production, storage,
and quality control. The PNPB mandates that biodiesel
concentrations in traditional diesel fuel be increased
through 2013 up to a 5% mix. After only four years of
organized production, Brazil is already one of the world’s
five leading producers and consumers of biodiesel, with
42 installed plants and an annual production capacity of
3.6 billion liters.
Information and Communication
Technology (ICT)
Brazilian software and services industry, ranked
12th in the world, generated revenues of US$ 14.7
billion in 2008. Nationally produced software for
banking and financial operations are among the most
sophisticated in the world. Similarly, the country
boasts technological excellence in the development
of e-government systems and information security.
These gains derive directly from a thriving market of
8,500 companies and 1.7 million highly qualified IT
professionals.
Development of the information technology
industry is directly tied to the consolidation of IT
centers of excellence throughout Brazil. Campina
Grande, with the highest proportion of Ph.D.s in
Brazil, Recife, Campinas, Florianópolis, and Porto
Alegre are home to just some of Brazil’s technology
parks. These centers include leading universities,
skilled labor forces, and basic infrastructure for
business launches. In addition, entrepreneurs enjoy
access to venture capital investment programs for
new and emerging enterprises, such as FINEP’s Inovar
initiative, and to facilitated credit lines, including the
7
National Development Program for the Software and
Information Technology Service Industry (Programa
para o Desenvolvimento da Indústria Nacional de
Softwares e Serviços da Tecnologia da Informação –
PROSOFT), a BNDES initiative.
crop area climbed only 25%. More important, Brazil
has at its disposal over 90 million hectares of unused
mechanizable land which could be employed for seasonal
and permanent crop production.
In the microelectronic field, Brazil launched Latin
America’s first microchip manufacturing plant in 2009,
the National Center for Advanced Electronic Technology
(Centro Nacional de Tecnologia Eletrônica Avançada
– CEITEC), a US$ 179.2 million project. CEITECT, a
branch of the Ministry of Science and Technology,
is the newest addition to Porto Alegre’s technology
park, a bustling center of more than 40 information
technology and communication firms. Several are
based out of the Pontificate Catholic University of Rio
Grande do Sul (TecnoPuc), including such industry
giants as HP and Microsoft.
Brazil – Production and Harvested Area
crop 1990/91 to 2007/08 - Grains
Agribusiness
The catalyst for the development of Brazil’s
agribusiness sector was the establishment of the
Agronomic Institute of Campinas, São Paulo, in 1887,
and the Luiz de Queiroz Superior School of Agriculture,
in 1901. Beginning in the 1970s, significant investments
in science, technology, and innovation spurred the
sector’s growth, ultimately transforming Brazil into an
agricultural powerhouse.
The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
(Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária –
Embrapa), the world’s leading research institution in
tropical agriculture played a pioneering role in this
process. Agricultural research enabled the adaptation of
crop varieties to the country’s disparate soil and climate
conditions. Today, agribusiness accounts for 25% of GDP
and 30% of exports. Brazil is the leading global producer
and exporter of sugar, coffee, and orange juice and ranks
in the top three in soy, corn, and beef.
Critical innovations in the field include the
development of biological nitrogen fixation, employed
to substitute nitrogenated fertilizers, direct planting,
and genetic enhancement of crops. The incorporation
of agricultural systems in the Cerrado (Savanna) region,
previously an afterthought of the nation’s farm sector,
was yet another achievement in this endeavor.
These efforts have resulted in the significant growth
of agricultural production primarily through productivity
gains, not the expansion of croplands areas: in the last
18 harvests, grain production soared 149%, while total
8
143.9
123.2
122.5
131.7
100.3
114.7
Production (millions of tons)
81.1
57.9
37.9
68.3
38.5
35.6
82.4
78.4
Growth: 148.5% = 5.5% by year
49.1
43.9
37.8
36.9
36.6
47.9
46.2 47.4
Harvested Area (millions of ha)
Growth: 25.1% = 1.3% by year
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
Position: September/2008
Source: CONAB.
The Embrapa Network includes 43 research units, in
addition to virtual laboratories (LABEX) in the United
States, France, and the Netherlands. This year, the
institution opened new LABEX offices in Great Britain
and Korea. Embrapa has also been active internationally
through technology transfers to African nations, to
which end it has maintained an office in Ghana in 2006,
with a view to meeting the specific cooperation demands
of countries in the region contributing to food security
on the continent.
Environment
Scientific and technological research in the
environmental field is of strategic importance to Brazil.
Through the Ministry of Science and Technology, the
country conducts studies on the conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity in the Legal Amazon, the
promotion of sustainable development in the region, and
the repatriation of Brazilian biodiversity, among other
measures. The efforts include collaborative research
networks specifically devoted to building the technical
capacity of local populations in the region.
Further, Brazil boasts technology of excellence in
satellite monitoring of forests, a task designated to the
National Institute for Space Research. INPE performs
critical surveys in the area. The Real-Time Deforestation
System (Detecção de Desmatamento em Tempo Real DETER) is a monthly study based on data from Terra/
Aqua and CBERS satellites aimed at providing advance
support to deforestation enforcement and control
measures. Similarly, the Legal Amazon Deforestation
Monitoring Project (Projeto de Monitoramento do
Deflorestamento na Amazônia Legal – PRODES)
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,AND INNOVATION IN BRAZIL
Natural resources, sustainability and new frontiers
measures annual deforestation rates, which are posted
free of charge on the Internet.
With regard to the field of tropical biology, the
National Institute for Amazon Research (Instituto
Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia – INPA)
has contributed valuable information on Amazon
ecosystems, particularly in respect to the preservation
and sustainable use of biodiversity, with a view to
identifying solutions to the challenges generated by
climate change. INPA’s initiatives include projects for
the development of new forest management techniques,
tropical disease control, and renewable alternatives for
power generation. Currently, the Institute is composed
of nearly 200 scientists, 500 scholarship students, and
800 volunteers.
At the state level, initiatives have been undertaken as
well, such as the BIOTA – FAPESP Program, established
to map and analyze biodiversity in São Paulo through
an online network of 1,200 researchers engaged in
83 thematic projects. In its first decade of activity,
the Program’s unprecedented research efforts have
spawned exciting possibilities for alternative methods
of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in the
city and exercise a direct impact on public policy. A
central goal through 2020 is to promote research that
inextricably ties biodiversity to climate change.
Human health
Providing incentives to technological innovation in
human health aimed at stimulating the production of
knowledge to improve the quality of life of Brazilians
constitutes one of the country’s key priorities. To secure
progress on this front, Brazil has developed internationally
recognized institutions in the area of biomedicine, such
as the Butantan Institute (Instituto Butantan) and Oswaldo
Cruz Foundation (Fundação Oswaldo Cruz – FIOCRUZ).
The Butantan Institute, affiliated to the São Paulo State
Secretariat of Health, is the nation’s largest producer
of serums and vaccines. Further, it is also a reference
in research in poisonous animals, housing the world’s
largest snake collection, 54,000 specimens in all.
The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation of the Ministry of
Health is the country’s leading public health research
institute. Its successes include isolating the HIV virus in
Brazil and the production of nearly 90% of the world’s
yellow fever vaccine supply. Additionally, the institution
is active in the manufacture of vaccines, medications,
and biotechnology applied to health. FIOCRUZ employs
7,500 staff and operates 17 institutes, including an office
in Maputo, Mozambique. The mission of FIOCRUZ in
Africa is to undertake cooperation projects in health with
African countries, with a view to contributing toward
local development.
Brazil has also made significant contributions to the
field of cardiovascular research. The Heart Institute of the
Clinical Hospital of the University of São Paulo (INCOR),
specialized in cardiology, pneumology, and heart and
thoracic surgery, is internationally recognized. INCOR
conducts projects in areas such as molecular and genetic
cardiology and stem cell research for the treatment of
heart disease. The institution has released nearly 5,700
studies, 3,600 published in national journals and another
2,100 in international publications, and submitted patent
applications for 20 products.
Nanotechnology
Two of the key frontiers in research, development, and
innovation today are nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Both sectors are of strategic importance to Brazil.
The country has the installed capacity to compete
in a variety of related fields, including cosmetics,
pharmaceuticals, paints, and material reinforcements.
Another significant front is research into mechanisms
to mitigate adverse environmental effects through the
application of nanotechnologies to industrial water
recovery, the production of biodegradable plastics, and
the decontamination of rivers. Another promising field
involves cancer treatments, with a number of pre-clinical
trials currently under development to this end.
There are today 1,300 researchers distributed across
48 universities and 50 companies in Brazil conducting
research and development in nanoscience and
nanotechnology. The community’s scientific production
has garnered international recognition, accounting for
3.01% of all published international papers, surpassing
the total (2.12%) registered for overall Brazilian scientific
output.
Six national nanotechnology units serve to interconnect
research institutes throughout Brazil. These include the
Northeast Center for Strategic Technologies (Centro
de Tecnologias Estratégicas do Nordeste – CETENE),
the Embrapa National Nanotechnology Laboratory for
Agribusiness (Laboratório Nacional de Nanotecnologia
para o Agronegócio da Embrapa), and the Nanotechnology
Laboratory of the National Synchrotron Light Laboratory
(Laboratório Nacional de Luz Síncrotron – LNLS) in
Campinas, home to the lone synchrotron light in Latin
America and the first in the Southern Hemisphere.
9
The center is equipped with the latest infrastructure
and technology, to ensure research of the highest
international standards. In addition, Brazil is one of the
only countries in the world to invest in nanometrology
through the creation of the Nanometrology Center of
the Brazilian Institute of Metrology, Standardization,
and Industrial Quality (Instituto Nacional de Metrologia,
Normalização e Qualidade Industrial – INMETRO).
Biotechnology and genetic
resources
In the last ten years, the Brazilian scientific
community has achieved a considerable level of skill
in the use of biotechnology tools through refinement
of recombinant DNA technology and genome and
proteome research. In 2000, the FAPESP Genome Project
garnered recognition following its successful sequencing
of the Xyllela fastidiosa bacteria, the source of citrus
variegated chlorosis, making it the first plant pathogen
to be sequenced completely. Nature, one of the most
respected scientific journals in the world, published a
cover story on the Brazilian research study.
In respect to human genetics, Brazil operates the
only human genome research facility in Latin America,
the Human Genome Studies Center (Centro de Estudos
sobre o Genoma Humano) of the University of São Paulo
(USP), where important work in the field of stem cell
research, centered primarily on neromuscular disorders,
is performed. Research efforts are also ongoing in
cardiology and diabetes type 1. In addition, the Brazilian
government officially sanctioned stem cell research in
May 2008, paving the way for a new frontier in scientific
innovation.
10
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,AND INNOVATION IN BRAZIL
Natural resources, sustainability and new frontiers
3
Information sources
Public sector
Ministry of Science and Technology (Ministério
de Ciência e Tecnologia – MCT)
www.mct.gov.br
Information on the ministry’s organization, public
policies, and government programs.
Press office: +55 61 3317 7515
National Economic and Social Development Bank
(Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico
e Social – BNDES)
www.bndes.gov.br
About the bank, strategic planning, financing,
investment funds, and sectoral programs to promote
innovation and technology.
Press office: +55 21 2172 8096
Coordinating Office for the Professional
Enhancement of Personnel with Higher Education
Degrees (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de
Pessoal de Nível Superior – CAPES)
www.capes.gov.br
General information of graduate studies programs,
study grants in Brazil and abroad, and the promotion
of international cooperation in science.
Press office: +55 61 2104 7263
National Scientific and Technological Development
Council (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento
Científico e Tecnológico – CNPq)
www.cnpq.br
Research and technology initiation grants, Master’s and
Ph.D. scholarships,
Press office: +55 61 2108 9414
Petrobras – Petróleo Brasileiro S.A
www.petrobras.gov.br
General information, specific information on areas of
activity, including subsalt exploration and renewable
energies, technical publications.
Press office: +55 21 3224 6575
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
(Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária –
Embrapa)
www.embrapa.br
Organization, facilities, areas of activity, publications,
overseas offices.
Press office: +55 61 3272 1519
Research and Projects Financing Agency
(Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos)
www.finep.gov.br
Organization, sectoral funds, programs and financing
for innovation and scientific and technological research.
Press office: +55 21 2555 0252
Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics
(Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística –
IBGE)
www.ibge.gov.br
Social and economic statistics and indicators, Industrial
Survey in Technological Innovation (Pesquisa Industrial
de Inovação Tecnológica -PINTEC).
Press office: +55 61 3319 2129
National Institute for Amazon Research (Instituto
Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia – INPA)
www.inpa.gov.br
General information on tropical biology, regional
centers and offices, programs, research projects,
and cooperation.
Press office: +55 92 3643 3100
National Institute for Space Research (Instituto
Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais – INPE)
www.inpe.br
Organization, research and development, satellite
engineering, the Amazon, weather and climate, and
international cooperation.
Press office: +55 12 3945 6984
National Institute for Industrial Property (Instituto
Nacional de Propriedade Industrial – INPI)
www.inpi.gov.br
Organization, statistics, patent systems, modalities,
trademark protection and registration requirements.
Press office: +55 21 2139 3232
Butantan Institute
www.butantan.gov.br
Background, introduction, projects, research, education,
and business opportunities.
Press office: +55 11 3726 7222
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fundação Oswaldo
Cruz – FIOCRUZ)
www.fiocruz.br
Background, introduction, technological development,
research, production, and social programs.
Press office: +55 21 2270 5343
11
Institute for Applied Economic Research (Instituto
de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada – IPEA)
www.ipea.gov.br
Evaluations of technological innovation in the Brazilian
productive sector and its impact, public policies, financing
and incentives to innovation, and special credit programs.
Press office: +55 61 3315 5501
Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development
(Agência Brasileira de Desenvolvimento
Industrial – ABDI)
www.abdi.com.br
Assessments of industrial policy, strategic programs,
dissemination of new technologies, innovation
promotion in industry, competitiveness, and
international insertion of Brazilian companies.
Press office: +55 61 3962 8700
Private sector
National Association of Research and Development
and Engineering in Innovative Companies
(Associação Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento
e Engenharia em Companhias Inovadoras – ANPEI)
www.anpei.org.br
Structure, activities, project to support technological
innovation, events, capacity-building, and publications.
Press office: +55 11 3842 3533
Brazilian Association of Aerospace Industries
(Associação das Indústrias Aeroespaciais do
Brasil – AIAB)
www.aiab.org.br
General information, information on members, interests,
and objectives of the sector, and events.
Press office: +55 12 3933 0657
Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries
(Associação Brasileira das Indústrias de Óleos
Vegetais – ABIOVE)
www.abiove.com.br
Industry views on biodiesel in Brazil,
sustainability of soy production, statistics, studies,
and event announcements.
Press office: +55 11 5536 0733
Nation Association of Entities for the Promotion
of Innovative Enterprises (Associação Nacional
de Entidades Promotoras de Empreendimentos
Inovadores – ANPROTEC)
www.anprotec.org.br
Information on incubator enterprises, technology parks,
and innovative ventures.
Press office: +55 61 3202 1555
12
Brazilian Association of Information and
Communication Companies (Associação
Brasileira de Empresas de Tecnologia da
Informação e Comunicação – BRASSCOM)
www.brasscom.org.br
General information on the IT market, members,
interests of the sector, events, and statistics.
Press office: +55 11 3053 9109
National Confederation of Agriculture
(Confederação Nacional da Agricultura – CNA)
www.canaldoprodutor.com.br
General indicators, interests and objectives of the
sector, events, support to new technologies, and
technical assistance.
Press office: +55 61 2109 1474
National Confederation of Industry
(Confederação Nacional da Indústria – CNI)
www.cni.org.br
Organization, activities, industry views on innovation
policies on Brazil, congresses on innovation in industry.
Press office: +55 61 3317 9579
Brazilian Aeronautical Company (Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A – EBRAER)
www.embraer.com.br
Information on the company, structure, technology,
description of fleet, business opportunities, and statistics.
Press office: +55 12 3927 1311
National Petroleum Industry Organization
(Organização Nacional da Indústria do
Petróleo – ONIP)
www.onip.org.br
General information on the sector, mini glossary,
programs, bulletins, schedule of events and seminars.
Press office: +55 21 2563 4615
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,AND INNOVATION IN BRAZIL
Natural resources, sustainability and new frontiers
Academia and civil society
University of São Paulo (USP)
www.usp.br
Link for researchers, academic studies, R&D projects,
cooperation, and technology transfers.
Telephone: +55 11 3091 3220
Human Genome Studies Center (Centro de
Estudos sobre o Genoma Humano –CEGH/USP)
www.genoma.ib.usp.br
Link for scientists and academic studies in the field
genetic diseases and activities linked to education, and
technology transfers.
Telephone: +55 11 3091 7966
Heart Institute of the Clinical Hospital (Instituto
do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas – INCOR/
USP)
www.incor.usp.br
Information on research and development in the field
of cardiology centered on the production of new
equipments and medications and the implementation of
diagnostic and surgical procedures.
Telephone: +55 11 3069 5437
Air Force Institute of Technology (Instituto
Tecnológico da Aeronáutica – ITA)
www.ita.br
Link for researchers and academic studies.
Telephone: +55 12 3947 6926
Federal University of Minas Gerias
www.ufmg.br
Link for researchers, R&D projects, and academic papers.
Telephone: +55 31 3409 5000
Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE)
www.ufpe.br
Link for researchers, R&D projects, and academic papers.
Telephone: +55 81 2126 8060
Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)
www.ufscar.br
Link for researchers, R&D projects, and academic papers.
Telephone: +55 16 3351 8119
Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG)
www.ufcg.edu.br
Link for researchers, R&D projects, and academic papers.
Telephone: +55 83 3310 1000
Pontificate Catholic University of Rio Grande do
Sul (PUCRS)
www.pucrs.br
Link for researchers, R&D projects, and academic papers.
Telephone: +55 51 3320 3500
PUCRS Science and Technology Park (Parque
Científico e Tecnológico da PUCRS – TECNOPUC)
www.pucrs.br/agt/tecnopuc
Information on companies and incubators in the
technology park, infrastructure, and actors.
Telephone: +55 51 3320 3694
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
www.ufrj.br
Link for researchers and academic studies, R&D
projects, and cooperation.
Telephone: +55 21 2598 9608
Coordinating Office for Graduate Engineering
Programs of the Federal University of Rio de
Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ)
www.coppe.ufrj.br
Link for researchers, R&D projects, and academic papers.
Telephone: +55 21 2112 9000
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
www.unicamp.br
Link for researchers, R&D projects, and academic papers.
Telephone: +55 19 3521 5109
13
4
Graphs, maps, and statistics
Investments / Economic data
Investments in R&D as a proportion of GDP, by financing sector,
2000-2010
Source: Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT)
National expenditures on R&D as a proportion of GDP (%), 2007
Goal of 1.5 % of GDP in R&D in 2010
Source: Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT)
14
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,AND INNOVATION IN BRAZIL
Natural resources, sustainability and new frontiers
Financial resources and macro-goals of the itc plan
Mct resources and other federal sources, 2007 a 2010
Sources: LOA 2007, PLOA 2008, and PPA 2008-2011
Human Capital
Brazilian scientific articles indexed in the isis (Institute for scientific information)
Brazil accounts for 2.212% of global scientific output
The number of published papers increased 218% from 2000 to 2008
Source: Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT)
Certified masters and doctors
Source: Coordinating Office for the Professional Enhancement of Personnel
with Higher Education Degrees (CAPES)
15
Brazil: graduate scholarships granted by federal agencies,
1997-2008
Sources: Coordinating Office for the Professional Enhancement of Personnel with Higher Education Degrees
(CAPES) and National Scientific and Technological Development Council (CNPq)
Brazil: students certified in master and ph.D. Programs,
1987-2008
Source: Coordinating Office for the Professional Enhancement of Personnel with Higher Education Degrees
(CAPES)
16
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,AND INNOVATION IN BRAZIL
Natural resources, sustainability and new frontiers
Brazil: percent distribution of the number of certified students in
graduate programs by general knowledge area, 2008
Source: Coordinating Office for the Professional Enhancement of Personnel with Higher Education Degrees (CAPES)
Brazil: researchers and support personnel engaged in research and
development (r&d), in total numbers, by institutional sector and profession,
2000 – 2008
Sectors
Educational Level
Year
Government(1)
Higher
Learning(1)(2)
Company(3)
Private NotFor-Profit(1)
Sources: Technological Innovation Survey (PINTEC) - 2000, 2003, and 2005 of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE),
Coordinating Office for the Professional Enhancement of Personnel with Higher Education Degrees (CAPES), and the National Scientific and
Technological Council (CNPq)
17
Patents
Brazil: patent applications submitted to National institute for
industrial property (INPI), by type, 1990-2006
Source: National Institute for Industrial Property (INPI)
Patent licenses from american patent and trademark office (uspto),
by selected countries of origin, 1980-2008
Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
18
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,AND INNOVATION IN BRAZIL
Natural resources, sustainability and new frontiers
Innovative enterprises generation system 2007
Source: National Association of Entities for the Promotion of Entrepreneurial Innovation (ANPROTEC)
18 Tech parks based in Brazil’s primary regions
Campinas Technology Cluster
#ICT Companies: 100 +
Revenue: $ 1,4 Bn
Target area: ICT
Universities/colleges: UNICAMP
Alfa Tech Technology Park
#ICT Companies: 42
Revenue: $ 120 MM
Target area: ICT
Universities/colleges: UFSC
1
PUC-RS Technology Park –
TECNOPUC
#ICT Companies: 25
Revenue: $ 210 MM
Target area: Biotech
Clean Energy, ICT
Universities/colleges: PUCRS 3
Porto Digital Technology Park –
Recife
#ICT Companies: 117
Revenue: $ 236 MM
Target area: ICT
Universities/colleges: UFPE 2
5
9
Vale do Paraíba Technology
Park – UNIVAP
#ICT Companies: 10
Revenue: $ 120 MM
Target area: ICT
Universities: UNIVAP, ITA
7
Rio de Janeiro Technology Park
#ICT Companies: 15
Revenue: $ 10 MM 2008e
Target area: ICT, Energy
Universities/colleges: UFRJ
11
IPTEC – Ijui Technology Cluster
#ICT Companies: 8
Revenue: $ 2 MM
Target area: ICT
Universities/colleges: UNIJUI
15
Petrópolis Tecnópolis
Technology Park
#ICT Companies: 70
Revenue: $ 137 MM
6
Target area: ICT
Colleges:Univ. Católica de Petrópolis
2
Vale do Rio dos Sinos
Technology Park – VALETEC
#ICT Companies: 12
Revenue: $ 53 MM
Target area: ICT, leather
goods and shoes
Universities/colleges: Feevale 8
13
17
12
16
14 1 6 11
10 7
18
15 5
8
4 3
Paraíba Technology Park –
PaqTcPB
#ICT Companies: 70
Revenue: $ 16 MM
Target area: ICT, Design, Digital TV
Universities/colleges: UFCG
9
Uberaba Technology Park
#ICT Companies:
Revenue: $ 6 MM
Target area: Biotech,
Clean Energy, ICT
Universities/colleges: Uniube
Itajubá Technology Park
#ICT Companies: 39
Revenue: $ 0,75 MM
Target area: Energy, ICT
Universities/colleges: UFRJ
12
16
Londrina Technology Park
#ICT Companies: 2
Revenue: $ 10 MM
Target area: Chemistry, ICT,
eletronics
Universities/colleges: UEL,
UNOPAR
10
SERGIPETEC Technology Park
#ICT Companies: 19
Revenue: $ 5 MM
Target area: Energy, ICT, biotech
Universities/colleges: UFSe
13
Brasília Technology Park
#ICT Companies: 5
Revenue: N/A
Target area: Biotech and ICT
Universities/colleges: UnB
São Leopoldo Technology Cluster
#ICT Companies: 39
Revenue: $ 175 MM
Target area: ICT
Universities/colleges: Unisinos
4
17
São Carlos Technology Cluster
#ICT Companies: 30
Revenue: $ 5 MM
Target area: ICT
Universities/colleges: USP,
UFScar
14
Curitiba Technology Park
#ICT Companies: 28
Revenue: N/A
Target area: ICT
Universities/colleges: UFPR
18
Source: A. T. Kearney Consultants, for the Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT)
Cluster Tecnológico de Campinas
Empresas de TIC: 100 +
Receita: $ 1,4 Bn
Foco: TIC
Universidades/Faculdades:
UNICAMP
1
Parque Tecnológico Porto Digital
Recife
Empresas de TIC: 117
Receita: $ 236 MM
Foco: TIC
Universidades/Faculdades:
2
UFPE
Parque Tecnológico PUC-RS
TECNOPUC
Empresas de TIC: 25
Receita: $ 210 MM
Foco: Biotech
Clean Energy, TIC
Universidades/Faculdades: PUCRS 3
Cluster Tecnológico de São Leopoldo
Empresas de TIC: 39
Receita: $ 175 MM
Foco: TIC
Universidades/Faculdades:
Unisinos
4
19
Federative Republic of Brazil
Presidency of Republic
Secretariat for Social Communication
Brasília - DF, Brazil
+ 55 (61) 3411.4881
[email protected]