Brazilian State Candidates Prioritize Science and Technology to Boost Regional Innovation
Candidates in Paraíba and Rio Grande do Sul outline ambitious plans to advance science and technology, aiming to strengthen innovation ecosystems and create job opportunities in their states.
- • João Azevêdo aims to position Paraíba as a national leader in quantum computing and innovation.
- • Candidates in Rio Grande do Sul propose enhanced cooperation between universities, research centers, and the private sector.
- • Proposals include developing green data centers, expanding fiber optics, and promoting research-business collaboration.
- • Focus in Rio Grande do Sul includes policies for startups, technological sovereignty, and internationalizing innovation ecosystems.
Key details
As Brazil prepares for upcoming elections, candidates in states like Paraíba and Rio Grande do Sul are placing science, technology, and innovation at the forefront of their political agendas. João Azevêdo, running for the Senate in Paraíba with the PSB party, is committed to transforming the state into a national hub for research and technology. He plans to leverage existing assets, such as universities, researchers, and initiatives including SerTãoByte (which focuses on quantum computing), the Complexo Científico do Sertão, and the Parque Tecnológico Horizontes da Inovação. Azevêdo also proposes establishing a branch of the Instituto Militar de Engenharia in Paraíba and developing green data centers powered by renewable energy, alongside expanding fiber optic infrastructure and exploring green hydrogen and rare earth elements. He emphasized retaining highly qualified youth in the state, saying, “Hundreds of brilliant minds are within universities; they should be here, producing wealth.”
Meanwhile, in Rio Grande do Sul, candidates underscore the strong innovation ecosystem fueled by the state's universities and research institutions. They acknowledge gaps between academic research and its application in public and private sectors and propose diverse strategies to enhance collaboration. Luciano Zucco (PL) advocates for strengthening the State Policy for Science, Technology, and Innovation for 2025-2030, focusing on funding and startup support. Juliana Brizola (PDT) emphasizes technological sovereignty and community innovation, Gabriel Souza (MDB) aims to internationalize the state’s innovation ecosystem and improve digital infrastructure, while Marcelo Maranata (PSDB) suggests smart specialization to better integrate universities, businesses, and government efforts.
These commitments reflect a broader recognition of science and technology's role in fostering regional economic growth and development across Brazilian states.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
