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The Challenge of Fostering Innovation and Accelerating Economic Growth in Brazil
Authors
Sérgio R. R. de Queiroz
Nicholas S. Vonortas
Otaviano Canuto
May 9, 2025
Related topics: 
Economy
Macroeconomics and regulation
Sectorial policies and structural transformation
Americas and Carribean
South America

This paper aims to demonstrate how certain transformations in the international economy since the 1980s¾notably the globalization of firms and industries¾combined with a set of domestic challenges, disrupted the path of industrial and technological development that Brazil had pursued since the 1930s. In essence, growth strategies based on the scale of the domestic market ceased to be effective. The innovation and economic challenges the country now faces cannot be addressed without a clear understanding of these processes.

The analysis carries important policy implications, centered on the need for less protectionism and greater internationalization of firms. Reversing the inward-looking orientation of THE Brazilian industry is a key objective for any policy aiming to stimulate increased business R&D and innovation.

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