Regional Innovation Systems in the Brazilian Pharmaceutical Sector: a Comparative Study

Abstract

This study aims to characterize the regional setting of the Brazilian pharmaceutical sector, based on the regional and sectoral innovation systems approaches. To this end, secondary data from the productive sector and science and technology of five states of the federation– Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Goiás, Minas Gerais and Pernambuco – were analyzed. The results show a drop in the participation of the pharmaceutical sector in the economic activity of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, while Goiás has been facing growth. Nevertheless, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro remain in a prominent position regarding scientific capacities, housing a large body of research institutions and higher education and postgraduate courses relevant to the sector. State policies reflect heterogeneous strategies that have tax incentives as common point. The present study identifies political and economic aspects relevant to the development of public policies to strengthen the pharmaceutical industry, especially in Rio de Janeiro.