5. Federal R&D Expenditures in Brazil: The Last 10 Years

Over the past decade, Brazil has witnessed significant shifts in federal R&D expenditures, reflecting the country's evolving science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies. The chapter examines two key national strategies, ENCTI 2012–2015 and ENCTI 2016–2022, which aimed to bolster innovation and economic growth through targeted investments in research and development. Despite initial progress, the analysis reveals a decline in the importance of innovation policy, marked by reduced federal budget allocations for R&D and a lack of integration with other national policies. The chapter delves into the intricacies of resource allocation, highlighting the predominance of human resource training over project financing and the impact of macroeconomic policies on STI initiatives. It also explores the role of societal mobilization and legal reforms in addressing the instability and unpredictability of R&D funding. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the critical need for a cohesive and integrated approach to STI policy, aligning it with macroeconomic and social policies to drive sustainable innovation and economic development in Brazil.