Rio de Janeiro Reinstates Science and Technology Secretariat, Appoints New Head Amid Budget Concerns

The State Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Innovation (SECTI) in Rio de Janeiro has been officially reinstated by acting Governor Ricardo Couto, following its earlier dissolution and merger with the Secretariat of Economic Development. Antonio Claudio Lucas da Nóbrega, rector of the Federal University of Fluminense (UFF), was appointed as the new Secretary of State for Science, Technology, and Innovation during a ceremony on August 28. This move is part of a broader administrative restructuring aimed at strengthening the state's scientific and technological policy framework.

The reestablished SECTI, slated to be fully operational by September, aims to bridge the gap between academic scientific production and the productive sector to foster Rio de Janeiro's economic and social development. Integral to this plan is the formation of a permanent committee comprising representatives from universities and research institutions to enhance academic involvement in policymaking related to science, technology, and innovation.

Despite the positive step of reinstating the Secretariat, concerns remain about the low level of budget allocation for Rio's scientific institutions. Data from 2024 reveals that Rio de Janeiro invests only 0.055% of its GDP in its primary research funding body, FAPERJ—considerably less than other states such as Rio Grande do Sul, which allocates 0.091% of its smaller GDP to FAPERGS. This discrepancy highlights a potential lack of commitment to adequately fund scientific and technological development in the state.

The state hosts numerous prestigious research centers and universities, but translating this potential into long-term strategic growth requires stronger government support. Couto has emphasized aligning scientific outputs with market demands, a strategy some experts caution might undervalue fundamental research.

Economically, the government's administrative overhaul includes cutting over 6,100 commissioned positions to save approximately R$ 221 million by 2026 and reducing the number of state secretaries from 32 to 28. Public opinion towards the interim administration is mixed, with a Datafolha survey showing 47% approval and 31% disapproval.

The effectiveness of SECTI's reinstatement ultimately hinges on whether adequate funding and strategic policies will be adopted to match Rio de Janeiro’s considerable scientific capacity and economic standing rather than merely reinstating the entity as a bureaucratic formality.