Science Policy and Social Inclusion: Advances and Limits of Brazilian Nanotechnology Policy

Abstract

In this chapter Noela Invernizzi explores equity in the Braziliannanotechnology initiative. From the viewpoint of increasing equality,the initiative has several strong points, according to her analysis. Forinstance, national capacity is a good thing for a developing countrysince it helps decrease dependence on foreign sources, and Brazil hasmoved quickly to establish such capacity Nevertheless, the initiativeholds potential for increasing inequalities. Despite the priority thatthe Brazilian government places on ``social inclusion{''} and ``povertyreduction,{''} the initiative takes no concrete steps in thesedirections. National competitiveness is the dominant goal, input fromsocial actors has been narrowly drawn, and there is little attention toassessment of risks. The Brazilian example is, unfortunately not anoutlier National governments frequently justify their science andtechnology programs by claiming they will benefit all citizens, butrarely are mechanisms put in place that help to distribute the goodsgenerated widely Invernizzi offers some suggestions for remedying thisproblem as does Cozzens at the end of this volume.-eds.