Brazil Boosts Science and Technology Investment with Calls for Stable Funding

Brazil has witnessed a notable 30% increase in public investment in science and technology from 2021 to 2024, alongside a 35% rise in funding for research and development (R&D). This recovery in public financing follows years of budget cuts and was highlighted in the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation's (MCTI) report "National Expenditure on S&T and P&D — Government and Business Sectors 2014-2024," presented in Rio de Janeiro. A key driver of this growth is the replenishment of the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT), which supports universities, research institutes, startups, public laboratories, and projects across health, climate, energy transition, artificial intelligence, and bioeconomy sectors. Particularly in the Amazon region, science and technology initiatives are vital to converting biodiversity into knowledge, sustainable income, and environmental sovereignty.

Despite this positive shift, experts urge caution as much of the current increase compensates for past budgetary restrictions that caused research stagnation. Challenges such as insufficient laboratory infrastructure, researcher retention, scholarship valuation, and linking public research to productive development persist. The sector faces risks if continued funding is not guaranteed, potentially leading to halted lab operations and the emigration of young researchers.

On June 22 in Rio de Janeiro, a debate hosted by federal deputy Jandira Feghali and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Luciana Santos emphasized the necessity of a stable, continuous funding model. Santos highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches to secure budget predictability and strengthen legal frameworks fostering research and innovation. The debate underscored that Brazil’s technological independence and industrial valorization hinge on sustained investment and clear strategic planning.

Notable participants included geologist Guilherme Estrella, who proposed leveraging the successful pre-salt oil discoveries as a model for new CT&I initiatives tailored to industrial challenges, emphasizing partnerships with public research institutions. Márcio Girão, former president of the Brazilian Engineering Club, stressed that technology projects must be guided by well-defined objectives and integrated scientific and engineering efforts, not merely by funding availability.

Overall, while the recent 30% investment increase signals progress, experts and policymakers agree that Brazil must establish a permanent state policy ensuring predictable, long-term funding to nurture scientific advancement and maintain global competitiveness.