CGEE discusses the creation of a Photonics Observatory to strengthen innovation in Brazil.

The program brought together researchers, representatives from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), and experts to discuss strategies for linking science, technology, and public policy.

The Center for Management and Strategic Studies held, yesterday (14), at its headquarters in Brasília (DF), a meeting with researchers, representatives of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, members of the scientific community and institutions linked to photonics for an exchange of experiences on the construction of a possible Photonics Observatory in Brazil.

The meeting brought together experts from different fields to discuss how strategic observatories can strengthen the connection between science, technology, innovation, and public policy, linking data, skills, institutions, and national strategies.

During the meeting, CGEE shared experiences from observatories already in operation, presenting methodologies, tools, and initiatives focused on the strategic monitoring of scientific production, human resource development, science, technology, and innovation indicators, and technological trends.

The coordinator of the Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory (Octi) at CGEE, Adriana Badaró, highlighted the institutional trajectory of the Center and its role in the articulation between different actors in the science, technology and innovation ecosystem. According to her, CGEE was created from a demand that arose during the 2nd National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation, with the mission of acting as a space for strategic reflection and collective construction of solutions for the development of the country.

Badaró also emphasized that, throughout its 25 years, CGEE has consolidated its work based on the production of qualified evidence and information to support the formulation of public policies.

"Our approach is very focused on collaboration, bringing together partners and different institutions to build strategic information that supports management and decision-making," he stated.

During the presentation, the coordinator also shared the Center's experience in building and implementing observatories and strategic intelligence hubs. According to her, the first observatory structured by CGEE emerged in 2006, at a time when this model was still not widespread in the country.

She highlighted that defining the purpose of an observatory is one of the main challenges for this type of initiative. Among the possibilities are structures focused on organizing and making data available, environments for connecting stakeholders, strategic analysis platforms, or tools to support decision-making.

“Currently, CGEE has six observatories in operation, in addition to other initiatives that we helped to structure in different institutions,” explained Adriana Badaró.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of building collaborative, dynamic, and sustainable initiatives capable of integrating academia, government, the productive sector, and society around the scientific and technological development of the country.

The proposal to create the Photonics Observatory seeks to expand this connection, strengthening the mapping of skills, laboratories, research, and strategic opportunities for the advancement of the field in Brazil.