Municipal Councils Advance Science and Innovation in Brazil: Porto Alegre Celebrates 30 Years and Balneário Camboriú Begins Its Plan
Porto Alegre's science council marks 30 years of fostering innovation while Balneário Camboriú begins drafting its first municipal science and technology plan focused on digital government, education, innovation, and smart tourism.
- • Porto Alegre's Municipal Council of Science and Technology celebrated its 30th anniversary, highlighting decades of innovation efforts.
- • A panel in Porto Alegre discussed the evolution of science, technology, and innovation in Brazil over 30 years.
- • Balneário Camboriú launched the initial drafting of its first Municipal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation focusing on four key areas.
- • Both councils emphasize collaboration between government, academia, and business to boost local development through innovation.
Key details
On September 25, significant developments marked the municipal science and technology landscape in Brazil. The Municipal Council of Science and Technology (Comcet) in Porto Alegre celebrated its 30th anniversary during the Semana Caldeira event. The celebration featured key figures including Comcet president Carlos Strey and Porto Alegre Mayor Sebastião Melo, who highlighted the Council's key role in promoting innovation in the city. Rita Maria Silvia Carnavale, Comcet's first president, recounted the Council’s history and achievements. A panel discussion led by Luiz Carlos Pinto, municipal Innovation Secretary, along with notable contributors such as Vahan Agopyan from São Paulo and Jorge Audy from PUCRS and Tecnopuc, reflected on the evolution of science, technology, and innovation in Brazil over the past three decades. Pinto emphasized Comcet’s pivotal function in connecting government, universities, businesses, and innovation ecosystems to foster development.
Meanwhile, in Balneário Camboriú, the Municipal Council of Science, Technology, and Innovation (CMCTI) convened its second meeting at the University of Vale do Itajaí campus. This session launched the initial drafting of the city’s first Municipal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation, focusing on four core axes: Digital Government, Education and Research, Open Innovation, and Smart Tourism. Secretary Gilson Bordin stressed the council’s ambition to position Balneário Camboriú prominently on Brazil’s technology map while supporting sustainable local economic growth. Over the next month, working groups will conduct preliminary diagnostics related to these axes, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for October 23 to present findings. The CMCTI was established under Municipal Law No. 5.074/2025 to promote innovation discussions and collaboration among public and private sectors.
These municipal initiatives underscore Brazil's growing commitment to embedding science, technology, and innovation deeply into local governance and development strategies, reflecting both heritage and forward-looking planning.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
