Rio de Janeiro Merges Science and Technology Secretariat into Economic Development Ministry, Stirring Political Concern

On August 6, 2026, the government of Rio de Janeiro enacted a major administrative restructuring by dissolving the Secretaria de Estado de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Secti) and incorporating it into the Secretaria de Estado de Desenvolvimento Econômico, Indústria, Comércio e Serviços. This fusion created the new Secretaria de Estado de Desenvolvimento Econômico, Indústria, Comércio, Serviços, Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (SEDEICSCTI), officially established under Decree No. 50.413/2026 published in the Diário Oficial.

The reorganization aims to integrate economic development with science, technology, and innovation under one umbrella to enhance public policies and strategic actions at no additional public cost. Roberto Gomides, a seasoned civil servant with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors—including roles in state treasury, corporate finance, and involvement in Rio 2016 Olympics financial management—was appointed secretary of the newly unified department.

However, the move has triggered significant pushback among state legislators and science advocates. Élika Takimoto, president of the Commission of Science and Technology at the Assembleia Legislativa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Alerj), voiced concerns over the potential weakening of public policies central to supporting leading institutions such as UERJ, UENF, Faetec, Fundação Cecierj, and Faperj. Takimoto emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining autonomy for science and technology and intends to engage the executive branch for clarifications.

Similarly, Dani Balbi, president of the Commission of Labor, criticized the dissolution as undermining knowledge production and compromising essential sectors crucial for job creation and sustainable development. Balbi has planned to send an official letter to the government requesting detailed explanations for the decision. As of now, the state government has yet to respond to these critiques or clarify how the restructuring will impact the administration and effectiveness of science and innovation policies.

This consolidation reflects Governor Ricardo Couto's broader agenda to streamline government functions and possibly enhance operational efficiency. Nevertheless, the political and scientific communities remain vigilant about the long-term consequences for Rio de Janeiro's innovation ecosystem and its capacity to foster economic and social advancement through science and technology.