AIAB (Aerospace Industries Association of Brazil) took part in the 5th National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation (5CNCTI).
Julio Shidara, president of AIAB, and Juliana Villano, institutional relations manager at Embraer and special advisor to the board of directors, took part in the event, which is considered the most important for debating public policies for ST&I (Science, Technology and Innovation).
With the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation for a Fair, Sustainable and Developed Brazil”, the 5CNCTI aimed to define the government’s guidelines for ST&I, as well as building a new National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for the next decade.
The conference, which was held again after a 14-year hiatus, brought together various authorities, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who opened the event, and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos.
Panel on the Brazilian Strategy for the Space Sector
Brazil’s global leadership in environmental satellite monitoring was highlighted, as was the need to strengthen international cooperation and expand deforestation monitoring initiatives to other biomes.
The importance of continued investment in the space sector for preventing natural disasters and strengthening the national economy was also discussed.
Panel on the Legal Framework for Science, Technology and Innovation
Since its regulation in 2018, the CT&I Legal Framework has sought to create an environment conducive to the advancement of innovation in the country. However, experts warned that the lack of knowledge and proper application of this set of laws still represent challenges to be overcome.
A change in administrative culture (cutting red tape) is essential to transform legislative potential into practical reality.
“Fortunately, initiatives such as the recent creation by the Federal Attorney General’s Office (AGU) of the Chamber for Promoting Legal Security in the Business Environment reveal the AGU’s commitment to improving its performance and create the prospect of helping to overcome current obstacles faced in the aerospace sector,” said the AIAB president.
The Chamber’s guiding principles include consensus, predictability, dialog, mutual trust and consequentialism.
Panel on the Role of the State in Scientific Development
The essential role of the state in scientific development was reinforced by interventions from the Minister of Science and Technology, Luciana Santos, and economist Mariana Mazzucato, who stressed the importance of public-private partnerships to foster innovation and reduce inequalities.
Minister Luciana Santos presented the New Industry Brazil plan, focused on bringing scientific production closer to industry, promoting inclusive technological development.
Legal guarantees and continuous investment were identified as pillars for technological progress.
Panel on Technology and National Defense
The connection between technology and national defense was a prominent theme at the conference. Collaboration between academia, industry and ICTs, known as the triple helix of innovation, was highlighted as vital for the development of critical technologies for projects of national interest.
The debates at the 5CNCTI underlined the importance of a coordinated effort to promote science, technology and innovation in Brazil.
Strategic investments not only boost economic development, but also guarantee Brazil’s sovereignty and competitiveness on the global stage.
Julio Shidara stressed the importance of the event for the aerospace sector. “The 5th CNCTI is an essential platform for discussing the direction of science, technology and innovation in Brazil. It is essential that we have an in-depth debate on the investments and incentives needed to strengthen Brazil’s strategic aerospace sector, which is indispensable for safeguarding national interests and guaranteeing national sovereignty,” he said.
Cover photo: President of AIAB, Julio Shidara, and the institutional relations manager of Embraer and special advisor to the board, Juliana Villano, at the 5th CNCTI, with the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos, and the president of CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development), Ricardo Galvão. (Disclosure/AIAB)