Brazilian Journal of Analytical Chemistry - BRJAC - Brazilian Journal ...

Po i n t o f viEw
in t E g ra t i o n aC a d E m y / in d u s t r y: quo va d i s?
In the beginning of the twenty-first century science in Brazil is experiencing a period of
sustainable growth regarding any evaluation criteria used (e.g. number of publications,
number of PhD graduates, international insertion, etc.). However, with respect to the
industrial sector it is undergoing a process of “deindustrialization,” since the current share
of this sector in the economy is only about 23%, which represents a significant drop
when compared with the last two decades.
The transition from a model of mineral and agro-based exports system, which currently
predominates, to another one based on high-tech companies is too long and tortuous. It
requires, among others, an effective interaction between academia and industry.
From the academic side, the challenge is to change the focus in a conventional disciplinary
and departmental approach to a system focused beyond the academicals departments,
and including “Centers of Excellence”, where the multi and interdisciplinary approach are
predominant. These “Centers of Excellence” should have some valuable characteristics,
such as : i) institutional autonomy; ii) financial sustainability; iii) intelligence and leadership,
iv) partnerships with public and private sectors; v) national and international partnerships;
vi) an interdisciplinary research agenda, and vii ) basic and applied research.
In turn, from the Industrial side, the challenge is create, over the country, research centers,
capable of dialogue and practice effective partnerships with the academia, in the model,
for example, of the Research Center Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello, CENPES -
Petrobras. For instance, most of the Petrobras’ leadership in deepwater exploration results
from the academy/industry interaction. Other companies (e.g. Braskem, Vale and Natura)
have increased the interaction academy / company and have achieved relevant results.
But, although qualified, the interaction between academia and industry is still small,
compared to the country needs, being necessary to be improved.
Scientific research, technology and innovation, require an interdisciplinary approach.
Chemistry, a branch of science essentially experimental, has an important role in this
interaction through the construction and transformation of molecules and, in particular,
their immense responsibility in the establishment, and recognition, of standards and quality
assurance of products. In this way, chemistry enables interaction Academy / Company /
Society!
The integration Academy / Company is the way to the country turn knowledge into
goods and welfare for the population.
Jailson B. de Andrade
Full Professor, UFBA, Coordinator of the INCT for Energy and Environment
XVIII Br J Anal Chem