After years of decline, public investment in science and technology advances 30% in the country.

A study released this Tuesday (16) shows that Brazil interrupted the downward trajectory of resource transfers and resumed funding for research.

Public investment in science and technology (S&T) grew 30% in the country, from 2021 to 2024. In the same period, resources allocated to research and development (R&D) increased by 35%. The data are part of the survey National Expenditure on S&T and R&D — Government and Business Sectors 2014-2024, presented this Tuesday (16) by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).

The replenishment of the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT) appears as one of the main factors behind this growth. During the analyzed period, resources from the country's main instrument for supporting science and innovation increased by 216%, expanding opportunities for investment.

The recovery interrupts a downward trend observed from 2015 to 2021 and signals the restoration of the State's capacity to finance scientific activities, support technological development, and sustain long-term public policies. In 2024, government investments reached R$ 88.7 billion in science and technology and R$ 72.9 billion in research and development.

"Brazil has resumed investing in science, technology, and innovation. This is proof of the strategic role of the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development and the importance of resuming policies focused on technology, which bring concrete effects to the country's development," stated the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos.

The survey indicates that continued funding is one of the factors that allows for the maintenance of laboratories, the training of highly qualified human resources, and the execution of long-term scientific projects.

Investments from the business sector also increased. From 2021 to 2024, private investments in research and development rose from R$ 67 billion to R$ 72 billion. According to Luciana Santos, the existence of financing instruments, strategic programs, and long-term policies helps create a more favorable environment for business decisions related to innovation.

"The restructuring of the FNDCT [National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development], the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan, and the instruments of Finep [Financing of Studies and Projects] create a more predictable environment for long-term investments. And, for the private sector, predictability is an asset as important as the volume of resources," the minister highlighted.

Another aspect highlighted by the indicators is the expansion of investments in states in the North and Northeast regions. Acre (AC), Ceará (CE), Pará (PA), Rondônia (RO), Roraima (RR), and Tocantins (TO) registered some of the highest growth rates in science, technology, and innovation during the analyzed period.

Although resource concentration remains high in states with more established research systems, the data show signs of greater dynamism in different regions of the country, expanding the presence of scientific and technological activities in new territories.

The indicators presented show that science has once again occupied a relevant space on the public investment agenda. The recovery of resources allocated to the area strengthens the national capacity to produce knowledge, develop technologies, and create conditions for innovation to contribute to the country's economic and social development.

Data Science

During the ceremony, the minister launched the Data Science for Brazil project, with an investment exceeding R$ 13 million and a planned execution time of 36 months. The initiative aims to strengthen the production and use of science, technology, and innovation indicators and is part of the National Pact in Favor of State Indicators of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The project will support the consolidation of the National Network of State Indicators of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

At the same event, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and the Financing Agency for Studies and Projects (Finep) also launched Tecnova 2026/2027. The R$ 588 million investment will support innovative micro and small businesses. Of this amount, R$ 360 million comes from the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT), and R$ 228 million from state and district counterpart funds.

Read the full article about the Data Science for Brazil and Tecnova 2026/2027 project.