The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) launched the Strategic Program for Software and IT Services in São Paulo on Monday (Aug. 20). The ‘IT Maior’ program seeks to develop the Information Technology (IT) software and services sector. With investments of approximately R$ 500 million planned for the period 2012-2015, 'IT Maior' is structured around five pillars: economic and social development, international positioning, innovation and entrepreneurship, scientific, technology & innovation, and competitiveness. The resources will be subsidized by the Studies and Projects Fund (FINEP/MCTI) and the National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq/MCTI).

'IT Maior' includes actions such as acceleration of the development of technology-based companies, the consolidation of digital ecosystems, preference in government procurement for software using national technology, training young people to work in I.T., and attracting global research centers. "We want to grow software production in Brazil at a very high rate - that growth represents income for the country, generating cash flow for businesses and creation of skilled jobs for Brazilians. Brazilian software must compete with foreign products", said the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Marco Antonio Raupp.

The Secretary for Information Technology Policy at the MCTI, Virgilio Almeida, said that one of the biggest challenges of the program will be to reduce the gap in science and technology that separates Brazil from more developed nations. "The Brazilian IT sector already has 73,000 companies and had a turnover of US$ 37 billion in 2011, that is to say that our industry has the capability. 'IT Maior' seeks to develop this sector, which brings innovation and accelerates the development of other sectors of the country's economy", said Virgilio.

 

Source:

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation