Companies in Brazil and Colombia Will Benefit from Investments in Research and Innovation Projects After Partnership Established Between EMBRAPII and SENA, but May Face Political Conflicts

The New Partnership Between EMBRAPII and SENA of Colombia Will Attract Companies and Small Entrepreneurs Seeking Investments in Research and Innovation Projects in the Industrial Field, but May Not Happen So Soon Due to the Political Situation of the Countries.

On last Tuesday, (07/05), the Brazilian Company for Industrial Innovation (EMBRAPII) and the National Apprenticeship Service (SENA) of Colombia established a partnership to develop research and innovation projects in the industrial sector in both countries. And, amid an unstable political scenario involving the electoral race in both countries, the project may be delayed or even cease to exist if the parties to the agreement do not wish to engage in conflicts this year.

Brazilian Company for Industrial Innovation and the National Apprenticeship Service of Colombia Establish Partnership for Investments in Innovation and Research Projects

This week started out quite positively for the industrial sector of Brazil and Colombia, as EMBRAPII joined with SENA of Colombia to establish a partnership aimed at promoting research and innovation projects in the countries. Thus, the cooperation agreement aims to ensure the necessary investments for small and medium enterprises and independent entrepreneurs for new businesses in this sector. 

The partnership was formalized during the event “II Mixed Commission of Cooperation in Science and Technology Between the Republic of Colombia and the Federative Republic of Brazil”, which recently took place virtually. The meeting included participation from Jorge Guimarães, CEO of EMBRAPII, and Luis Ernesto Duran, Director of Promotion and Corporate Relations of SENA of Colombia. Therefore, the partnership is expected to open public calls aimed at new research and innovation projects, bringing together companies from both countries for mutual collaboration. 

Thus, the main objective of the partnership is to ensure the sharing of techniques, knowledge, and information in the industrial field. Therefore, EMBRAPII and SENA of Colombia intend to focus on specific areas, such as: mobility of entrepreneurs and researchers, exchange of experiences on innovation programs, sharing information about projects, and developing research and innovation projects focused on the current needs of the industrial sector in both countries. 

Partnership Between EMBRAPII and SENA of Colombia for Research and Innovation Projects May Face Political Issues for Its Development 

Although the partnership between EMBRAPII and SENA of Colombia seems like a great alternative for the development of both countries currently, the political scenario involving the electoral race in both regions may complicate this agreement somewhat. This is happening because Colombia is currently witnessing the election of the new president, the former guerrilla and former drug trafficker, Gustavo Petro, who has an affiliation with radical left.

Thus, in an openly right-wing government like that of the current president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, the relations between Colombia and Brazil may significantly distance over the coming months after Gustavo Petro takes office. Therefore, the partnership between EMBRAPII and SENA may either experience a major delay until political relations stabilize or even be sidelined to avoid conflicts of interest between the countries. 

Learn More About EMBRAPII

EMBRAPII is a socially-oriented company with a Management Contract with the Ministries of Science, Technology and Innovations (MCTI), Education (MEC), Health (MS), and Economy (ME), focusing on socio-economic development projects in Brazil. Currently, EMBRAPII supports over 1600 projects and continues to expand its national and international relations to make this number even larger in the coming years.