A Cooperação Sul-Sul em Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação: O Papel das Instituições de Ensino Superior Brasileiras na Cooperação Brasil-África

Abstract

Within the interfaces between International Relations and Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I), this research seeks to understand the role of Brazilian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the cooperation between Brazil and African countries in ST&I, considering the growing relevance of this field and the emergence of new actors in international cooperation. The general objective is to analyze the role of HEIs in the formulation and implementation of cooperation initiatives, as they are recognized as central actors in national ST&I strategies. Methodologically, this is a qualitative, analytical, and exploratory study based on the documentary analysis of international acts signed between Brazil and African countries. To identify these acts, the institutional repository of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was used, selecting those that explicitly mentioned public Higher Education Institutions. Once mapped, a screening process was conducted to select those that contained explicit elements of ST&I. The results indicate that the initiatives are concentrated in capacity-building and technology transfer activities, particularly in the agricultural, mining, and natural resources sectors, reflecting alignment with national productive interests but revealing limitations in terms of information availability, resources, and project implementation. It is concluded that HEIs play a strategic role in South-South Cooperation in ST&I, although their performance is often incomplete, discontinuous, and conditioned by political, structural, and economic dynamics. The effectiveness of cooperation requires institutional continuity, transparency, and the strengthening of endogenous capacities in partner countries.