Technological Extension Networks and Regional Development: A Case Study In Brazil

This paper outlines the performance of the recent policies to strengthen the Brazilian productive structure and to support the country’s innovation. The method selected for the analysis is the case study. Based on bibliographic, documental, and empirical evidences, the objective of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Brazilian Technology System (SIBRATEC), founded in 2007. The effectiveness of this system will be assessed through an outline of the institutional arrangement of the Technological Extension Network in Rio de Janeiro (SIBRATEC-ET Rede RJ) which supports competitiveness of micro, small and medium industrial enterprises (MPMEs) in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Results indicate that the institutional aspects of the arrangement do not contribute to facilitate the support to enterprises. The levels of efficiency and efficacy achieved with the use of the available technical-administrative state capabilities have failed to correspond to the expectation of providing consistent support to the state’s industrial base. However, the instruments SIBRATEC-ET Rede RJ uses to assist local MPMEs are flexible and designed aiming to adjust to the identified enterprises’ demands, which evidences great adherence in the provision of support to improve the performance and the capacities of enterprises, in order to reach the level of key-technologies.