Abstract
This chapter examines innovation and technology transfer policies in the Brazilian public sector, identifying their main challenges and opportunities. Brazil, as a developing economy, faces significant challenges in pursuing a more innovative and competitive economy. Technology transfer plays a fundamental role in this process, promoting the development of more efficient and sustainable products, services, and processes. From early initiatives in the 1950s to more recent strategies, the authors analyze how Brazil has sought to promote innovation and effectively transfer technology to drive its economic and social development. However, the complexity of the public system and a lack of integration among different stakeholders can hinder the effective implementation of these policies. This study discusses existing initiatives, such as the legal framework for science, technology, and innovation, and suggests measures to strengthen the capacity for innovation and technology transfer in the Brazilian public sector.
Top2. Historical Overview Of Innovation And Technology Transfer Policies
Brazil has a range of policies and strategies aimed at promoting innovation. One of the most significant initiatives was the Innovation Law of 2004 and the Legal Framework for Science, Technology, and Innovation, enacted in 2016. This legal framework establishes a more favorable environment for innovation by relaxing public procurement rules, simplifying technology transfer between public and private institutions, and encouraging collaboration among universities, businesses, and research institutes.
Furthermore, Brazil maintains research and innovation support programs, such as the Business Research Support Program (PAPPE), an initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology, carried out by the Innovation and Research Financier (FINEP) in partnership with state Research Support Foundations (FAPs). PAPPE aims to fund Research and Development (R&D) activities for innovative products and processes undertaken by researchers who work directly or in collaboration with technology-based companies (Fapesp, 2023), and the National Program for Technological Innovation Support (PNI), which aims to foster the emergence and consolidation of innovation ecosystems and mechanisms for generating enterprises responsible for creating, attracting, accelerating, and developing innovative companies (Anprotec, 2019).
Key Terms in this Chapter
National Program for Technological Innovation Support (PNI): A Brazilian program focused on fostering the emergence and growth of innovation ecosystems and mechanisms that facilitate the creation, attraction, acceleration, and development of innovative companies and enterprises
Innovation Policy: A set of government strategies, regulations, and initiatives designed to foster and support the development, adoption, and diffusion of innovative technologies, processes, and products within a country's economy.
Legal Framework for Science, Technology, and Innovation: A comprehensive legal framework or set of regulations that governs various aspects of science, technology, and innovation activities within a country, including intellectual property, research funding, and collaboration between public and private sectors.
Technology Transfer: The process of sharing and disseminating technological knowledge, inventions, or innovations from one organization, such as a research institution or a university, to another entity, typically a business or industry, for practical application.
Innovation Law: Legislation enacted by a government to create a legal framework that promotes innovation by facilitating technology transfer, encouraging research collaboration, and providing incentives for innovation-related activities.
Business Research Support Program (PAPPE): A Brazilian government initiative, managed by the Innovation and Research Financier (FINEP) in partnership with state Research Support Foundations (FAPs), aimed at providing funding and support for research and development activities carried out by researchers in collaboration with technology-based companies.
Public Management: The field of study and practice focused on the efficient and effective administration and governance of public organizations and institutions, including government agencies and public-sector entities.