Researchers Priscila Koeller, from the Center for Science, Technology and Society Research of the Institute for Applied Economic Research (CTS-Ipea), and José Eduardo Cassiolato, an associate professor at the Institute of Economics of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IE-UFRJ), authored one of the chapters in the book The Innovation Competitiveness of BRICS Countries, published in April. The book focuses on evaluating the innovation competitiveness of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

The volume brings together chapters written by renowned experts in science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) policy and analysis from across the BRICS nations. The main issues addressed include the specific features of each country's national innovation system and their respective science, technology, and innovation policies.

The chapter written by Koeller and Cassiolato discusses the evolution of federal spending on research and development (R&D) in Brazil over the past ten years. It also compares the two National Strategies for Science, Technology, and Innovation in force during that period, analyzing spending levels and their main guidelines. The chapter further highlights the declining relevance of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation — a trend also reflected in budget allocations — and the crucial role of civil society in restoring the ST&I budget starting in 2022.