THE BRAZILIAN SCIENTIFIC AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM: AN EVOLUTIONARY TRAJECTORY IN ST&I

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to describe the historical trajectory of the Brazilian agricultural research as a conjugation of factors for Brazilian agricultural science. This is a qualitative and descriptive research outlined by historical-documentary analysis procedures. The results reveal the maturity of the Brazilian Science, Technology and Innovation System (ST&I) in agriculture, with strong interactions in international research networks, high technological service and international projects leadership. The continued support given by the Government and sectors of the private initiative created the conditions for the implementation of agricultural research results. Despite the considerable availability of written documents on the subject, they refer mostly to the successful aspects of the development of the ecosystem of the scientific research in the agricultural sector. There is a relative lack of evidence to collate the results of development with difficulties and obstacles found research throughout history. Similarly, the backstage about the political decisions on the creation of new institutions, have not been clearly documented. Specially to emerging economy countries in Latin America and other regions, the Brazilian experience can be a reference to the development and deployment of Agricultural Research, and also available to partnerships with institutes in different stages of development. The main contribution of this article is to present a synthesis of the research and development ecosystem in agriculture of Brazil, with a historical account of your evolution, which may support future decisions, public or private, on investments in research and development in this sector.