Brazil Unveils Ambitious 10-Year National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation
Brazil's government and scientific community unveil the ENCTI 2024-2034, a comprehensive strategy to boost science, technology, and innovation as pillars for national development and sovereignty.
- • ENCTI 2024-2034 outlines a decade-long plan to strengthen Brazil's science and technology sectors.
- • President Lula commits to raising public investment in science to 2% of GDP by 2034.
- • The strategy focuses on expanding the national science system, boosting business innovation, securing national sovereignty, and addressing social issues.
- • ENCTI aligns with initiatives like the New Brazil Industry and includes Brazil's first Artificial Intelligence Plan.
Key details
On December 4, Brazil's National Council of Science and Technology (CCT) convened at the Palácio do Planalto, presenting the National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation (ENCTI) 2024-2034. This strategic blueprint aims to position science and innovation as cornerstones for a sovereign, developed, and socially just Brazil over the next decade.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted science as "the pillar of a sovereign and developed Brazil," advocating for increased public investment to reach 2% of GDP by 2034, a substantial rise from the current 0.27%. Lula stressed that strategic investment in science translates into enhanced health, security, job creation, and quality of life. Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Luciana Santos outlined the ENCTI's priorities, emphasizing the necessity of boosting innovation in companies and addressing the country's technological reliance.
The ENCTI is structured around four main axes: expanding and integrating the National System of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SNCTI); fostering business innovation and reindustrialization; undertaking strategic projects to secure national sovereignty in critical sectors; and leveraging science to confront social challenges. Helena Bonciani Nader, President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, emphasized that a cohesive and stable science ecosystem is vital to meeting Brazil's national priorities and reducing disparities in scientific infrastructure.
Sebrae President Décio Lima underscored the organization's role in supporting startups and small businesses as part of the innovation agenda, reinforcing the strategy’s focus on business innovation. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin noted the alignment of ENCTI with the New Brazil Industry initiative targeting a more competitive and innovative productive sector, highlighting Brazil’s recent 3.4% GDP growth fueled by high-tech industries.
The strategy also includes Brazil's first Artificial Intelligence Plan, a milestone that President Lula described as essential for proactive technological advancement. Defense Minister José Múcio emphasized the integration of defense technology with national development goals.
ENCTI will undergo a two-week public consultation to invite wider input before implementation. The strategy represents a concerted effort by the Brazilian government and scientific community to embed science and technology at the heart of national development and sovereignty ambitions.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.