Maricá Launches Municipal Council to Drive Science, Technology, and Innovation

On July 8, Maricá inaugurated its Municipal Council of Science, Technology and Innovation (COMCTI), named Órbita, during a meeting at the Território do Futuro Camila Miranda Paulino Pinheiro in Flamengo. The council brings together public authorities, researchers, educational institutions, businesses, and civil society to foster social participation in defining guidelines for the municipality’s scientific and technological advancement.

Sabrina Alves, Maricá’s Secretary of Science and Technology, emphasized that COMCTI will act as a permanent platform for students, entrepreneurs, and citizens to contribute to public policy formulation focused on innovation. The launch event included thematic panels and collaborative discussions to highlight the council’s role.

A key program segment, the “Maricá 2030 Challenge,” encouraged attendees to propose innovative solutions for sustainable development. Veterinary medicine student Emily Oliveira praised the initiative for promoting youth and community involvement in science-driven projects aimed at the city’s future.

This initiative aligns with Brazil’s broader challenge of leveraging its strong scientific knowledge base for practical societal benefits, as noted in recent national debates about the underutilization of the country’s robust science and technology system. Brazil ranks 14th globally in scientific production, predominantly fueled by public universities, yet often struggles to integrate this intellectual wealth into effective public policies. Maricá’s COMCTI represents a localized effort to bridge this gap by engaging diverse stakeholders in innovation and sustainability efforts.

With the council now established, Maricá aims to enhance its governance of science and technology, ensuring public policies better reflect community needs and scientific potential, setting a model for participatory innovation governance in Brazil.