Integração entre universidades e forças armadas: impactos na Base Industrial de Defesa (2000-2024)

Abstract

This dissertation examines the integration between Brazilian universities and the Armed Forces from 2000 to 2024, analyzing its impact on the country’s Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and its research and development (R&D) capabilities. Grounded in the Triple Helix theory, which highlights the interaction between universities, industry, and government to foster innovation, the research seeks to understand how this integration strengthens the DIB and expands Brazil’s technological autonomy in strategic sectors such as nuclear, cyber, and aerospace technologies, in alignment with the objectives of the National Defense Strategy, the National Defense Policy, and the National Defense Industrial Base Policy. Utilizing a qualitative approach based on case studies and documental analysis, the work identifies that collaboration between universities and the Armed Forces has been crucial for the development of strategic defense programs, promoting technological advancements and strengthening national sovereignty. Examples of this integration include partnerships in projects such as the Navy Nuclear Program, the Brazilian Space Program, and the development of military aircraft, which illustrate how the application of the Triple Helix enhances innovation and the productive capacity of the DIB. In addition to these advancements, the conducted study also identifies significant challenges for the DIB, including budgetary limitations, excessive bureaucracy, and the need to reduce dependence on foreign technologies. It is concluded that the integration between universities and the Armed Forces significantly contributes to the strengthening of the DIB, increasing the capacity for innovation and reducing dependence on foreign technologies. This synergy corroborates the development of dual-use technologies, forms more highly qualified human resources aligned with the demands of the DIB and the needs of the Armed Forces, driving national scientific and technological advancement and enhancing the country’s projection in the international arena. The study highlights the need to further align academic research agendas with the demands of the defense sector and the importance of a critical analysis of the practical applications of policies and strategies surrounding the sector, aiming to maximize the benefits of this cooperation and ensure Brazil’s strategic autonomy in the international context.