Science, Technology, and Innovation for Defense in Brazil: An Analysis of Transfer of Technology and Challenges on Brazilian Defense Programs

Abstract

This paper analyzes patterns in obtaining, absorbing and developing technology from major strategic defense projects. These actions aim at increasing Brazilian industrial and technological capabilities to conceive and develop defense products autonomously. The approach utilized involves analyses of different Effectiveness Criteria for Transfer of Technology policies and programs outputs, their intended outcomes, as well as intermediary results achieved so far on two defense programs, the FX-2 Gripen NG BR and the PROSUB. The research processes data from documents, news, interviews and reports to evaluate the results and what are the upcoming prospects and challenges in the defense projects. Major challenges involve the question of transfer of technology to Brazilian” national” enterprises and the effectiveness in transferring know-why in both programs. These has implications for independent production in the defense sector impairing full development and diffusion to productive chains and marketing defense products autonomously. Brazilian international insertion through strategic partnerships still needs better institutions to overcome technological blockage and a more firmly established systems of Science-Technology-Innovation in the defense sector.