Module 2 - Brazil: Spill-ins from Foreign Research and Development Laboratories

Institutional spillovers can also be identified:

• The structure and operational features of the competitive grantsystem have changed the scientific culture in Brazil. Research quality has improved owing to evaluation and review of R&D projects, changed procedures for preparing research projects, and the introduction of systems similar to PRODETABat the state level.
  
  
• One of the greatest institutional impacts is the reformulation of Embrapa’s own planning systems by introducing the competitive element in research development. Today Embrapa’s scientific programming is more focused and guided by broad, national themes and by demands and opportunities generated by the new economic and social regime in Brazil. The competitive review and selection of research proposals through a bidding process is now routinely incorporated in the annual formulation of Embrapa’s research agenda.

Lessons Learned and Issues for Wider Applicability

Brazil has an extensive and well-developed agricultural research capacity. Rapid advances in science and limited research funding, even in the best of circumstances, make it essential to avoid duplication of effort and to access new technologies and scientific knowledge in the most cost-effective way. This requires international exchanges and linkages.

 

In the past, bilateral grant aid provided support for international training, collaborative research, and institutional development. In most countries, this support has declined, leading to a growing isolation of research scientists. The LABEX program seeks to leverage Embrapa resources by developing collaborative research, education, training, and outreach efforts in areas of mutual interest with international research institutions. This strategy is likely to be relevant to many other countries, especially those with more limited research and educational capabilities than Brazil.