Technological Specialization of Brazil: Understanding the Country's Potential to Compete

tThe study is aimed to identify the technological domains which might be considered of high potential for Brazil to compete on the global arena. This topic is addressed in the research with a use of the patent analysis methodology which is an internationally used and validated approach to assess countries’ technological profiles and technological specialization. As a result of this study, a list of technological domains was identified, in which Brazil seems to have strong capabilities. It includes Medical Technology; Pharmaceuticals; Basic Materials Chemistry; Materials, Metallurgy; Chemical Engineering; Handling; Engine, pumps, turbines; Other Special Machines; Mechanical elements; Transport; Furniture, Games; Other Consumer Goods; Civil engineering. An in-depth patent analysis, conducted in some of the domains of specialization and showed the organizations and institutions that are the leaders of technological activity in Brazil and the importance they have for the technological development of the country. This research concludes that Brazil has mixed specialization domains, with strong focus in low-medium technological activities such as agribusiness and natural resources exploration and development of machinery and technologies related to these fields. Additionally, the growth in the investments in S&T development inside the country, and the creation of policies and incentives for the growth of related activities has been proven to generate a fruitful environment for potential new fields of specialization related to high-technological activities.