Brazil exerts efforts to lead in technological innovation under the guidance of seasoned politician Luciana Santos, who is driving force in the Lula da Silva administration’s scientific department. At 58, Santos’s political experiences are diverse, stretching from legislative roles to vice governorship in Pernambuco, the birthplace of President Lula da Silva. Her leadership also extends to her political group, the PC do B.
In an era where technological supremacy is pivotal to global geopolitics, Santos emphasizes its significance. She has highlighted the expansive potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), along with its accompanying risks, during discussions with international media representatives, including those from Perfil.
The Brazilian government, with the utmost interest from President Lula himself, places AI at the top of its agenda. The applications of AI are vast, potentially offering tremendous societal benefits. Nonetheless, unequal global distribution of AI assets, predominantly held by few private corporations, raises concerns about inherent power imbalances among nations.
Championing proactive scientific endeavours without ideological barriers, Lula da Silva believes in leveraging technology for national welfare. The upcoming Brazilian Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (EBIA) is assessed by the Science and Technology Council, aiming to deploy AI beneficially across facets of society such as improved living conditions, environmental conservation, hunger alleviation, and addressing the climate crisis.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro’s tenure saw significant budget cuts to science and technology. However, under the new administration, President Lula affirms his commitment to the sector, signaling a substantial budgetary increase for the second half of 2023. The primary financing engine is the National Fund for the Development of Science and Technology, replenished through a special tax on major industries.
Strategic avenues for Brazil’s growth and technological sovereignty encompass combating hunger, family farming mechanization, climate change, energy transition, and the digital transformation hinge on new technological bases. Brazil aspires to spearhead industrial sectors through strategic projects, such as autonomy in producing radioisotopes via a multipurpose nuclear reactor and an allocation of over $1 billion to the aerospace industry for 2023.
To transition to the forefront of energy transition and digital transformation, Brazil recognizes bridging the gap between scientific research and innovation is imperative. The country is well-positioned in scientific publications but lags in innovation translation, a gap they are eager to close to achieve technological mastery and avoid stagnation.
In the sphere of digital economy, AI stands out as a crucial focus for Brazil during the G20 meetings hosted in the country this year. The approach is holistic, recognizing AI’s potential and challenges, especially within the labor market and the substantial investments required for necessary infrastructure.
Key Questions & Answers:
Q: Who is Luciana Santos and what is her role in the Brazilian government?
A: Luciana Santos is a Brazilian politician who is playing a pivotal role in the administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as head of the scientific department. Her experience spans various political offices, including legislative roles and the vice governorship of Pernambuco.
Q: Why is the Brazilian government focusing on technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
A: President Lula da Silva’s administration places AI at the forefront of its agenda due to the vast applications and societal benefits it can offer. The government is aware of the importance of AI in the realms of societal welfare, environmental conservation, and addressing global issues like the climate crisis.
Q: What challenges is Brazil facing when it comes to advancing in science and technology?
A: In addition to recovering from the previous administration’s budget cuts to the sector, Brazil faces challenges in bridging the gap between its high production of scientific publications and the effective translation of this knowledge into tangible innovation and technological development.
Q: What strategic sectors is Brazil aiming to develop for its growth and technological sovereignty?
A: Brazil is focusing on several strategic sectors, including combating hunger, mechanization of family farming, climate change response, the energy transition, and the digital transformation based on new technological foundations. Projects mentioned include developing a multipurpose nuclear reactor and investing in the aerospace industry.
Advantages & Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– Investing in AI and technological innovation can enhance various sectors of society, from healthcare to agriculture, leading to overall better living conditions.
– Technological sovereignty can reduce dependency on foreign technologies and strengthen national security and economic stability.
– Engaging in science and technology can foster a knowledge-based economy and potentially create high-quality jobs.
Disadvantages:
– The unequal global distribution of AI and technological assets can exacerbate power imbalances and potentially intensify geopolitical tensions.
– Increased use of AI in the labor market may lead to displacement of workers and necessitate large-scale retraining programs.
– Infrastructure investments for these advancements can be substantial, and there is a risk of funds not yielding the expected return if projects are not managed effectively.
Suggested Link:
For more information about Brazil’s scientific and technological policies and initiatives, you can visit the official website of the “Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations” at www.gov.br/mcti. Please ensure the URL is correct as it directs to the main domain of the official Brazilian government platform for the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations.
The source of the article is from the blog exofeed.nl