Civil society, government, academia and companies discuss multisectoral objectives and collaborations in key sectors in a Forum of Mission-Oriented Innovation
In May 2023, the executive committee of CNDI (National Council for Industrial Development), of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, began technical work in order to develop a new industrial policy for Brazil. This process follows the model of missions that leverage scientific production and innovation and take advantage of the vocations of Brazil and the contributions and knowledge of civil society. The seven missions are linked to Brazil’s strategic challenges. But how is this achieved in practice? How to bring together different actors with different interests and levels of knowledge on the subject? The 1st Brazilian Forum of Mission-Oriented Innovation, which was an event organized by WTT, with support from iCS, sought precisely to help clarify these issues. The next step will be the publication of the document “From Theory to Practice,” in November, based on the content covered at the event.
On the first day, representatives from organizations such as the Regional Institute for Appropriate Small Farming and Animal Husbandry (IRPAA), the Interstate Movement of Babassu Coconut Breakers (MIQCB), the Saúde e Alegria project, the Black Coalition for Rights and the Sustainable Amazon Foundation (FAS), among many others, were present to attend classes such as “Science, Technology, Society and Innovation: a recent debate,” by Janaina Oliveira Pamplona da Costa (UNICAMP) and “Live Governance from the perspective of Sustainable and Healthy Territories: the experience of FIOCRUZ and the Forum of Traditional Communities,” by Sidélia Silva and Ariane Rosa Martins (Observatory of Sustainable and Healthy Territories of Bocaina/FIOCRUZ), among others. Afterwards, debates were held and experiences exchanged.
The last day brought together around 90 professionals from BNDES, FINEP and several public bodies, development agencies, academia, philanthropic organizations, companies and social movements in thematic debates (the Amazon, Industry, Energy Transition, Agriculture and Health) to show what is already being done by different groups and how to better connect institutions that operate in the same field, but do not yet collaborate with each other. Professor Caetano Penna, from Delft University, spoke about the global perspective of missions nowadays. He is also well known for his work with the Italian economist Mariana Mazucato, who was in Brazil earlier this year talking about the subject.
“The Forum was excellent; it exceeded our expectations. We were especially happy with the broad participation of civil society and academia in the discussions. We hope that the event will be a watershed in the insertion of these actors in the construction of the agenda of mission-oriented innovation in Brazil,” highlighted André Wongtschowski, the director of innovation at WTT.
Photos: Sofia Colucci
