Brazil to become innovation exporter

Sanctioned earlier this week, the New Regulatory Framework for Science, Technology, and Innovation introduces new rules designed to advance scientific research in Brazil. The new regulation has been welcomed by both the public and the private sector and draws on insight from scholars and business leaders.

Among other changes, it will avoid hurdles purchasing research equipment and materials by eliminating bidding requirements for purchases up to $75,000. The time researchers at state-funded universities are allowed to spend on research project work while retaining the applicable career advancement benefits has been extended from 240 to 416 hours a year. Conditions for partnerships between universities and businesses have also improved.

In an interview to Agência Brasil, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Celso Pansera, said the new regulation is going to bring about important changes to research activity, which will now receive more investment from the productive sector and focus more on tangible results. All this will drive innovation in the country, with a positive impact on the balance of trade.

“Brazil is widely regarded as a commodity-based country today. So what we want to do is change from being a raw material exporter to become an innovation exporter that provides high value-added products. I'm confident the effects will be felt in the balance of trade in the coming years,” the minister said.

According to him, Brazilian businesses have evolved and need a better environment to invest in innovation. “The economy will certainly change with the country becoming an exporter of added-value and technology products rather than a commodity supplier. The main purpose is to deliver research that is connected with the immediate needs of the communities, creating value, introducing new products, and improving well-being, and driving innovation,” he said.

Translated by Mayra Borges