Comparative analysis of the industrial and innovation policies of South Korea and Brazil

Abstract

South Korea stands out on the international stage due to substantial improvements in economic and social aspects. A factor considered fundamental to the evolution of quality of life standards in South Korea is the long-term planning implemented through the Five-Year Plans after the Korean War. The implementation of the Plans strengthened national industry and allocated high volumes of public investment to science and innovation, guaranteeing an increase in total factor productivity. On the other hand, Brazil remains trapped in the trap of underdevelopment, with limited progress in economic and social aspects, lacking long-term planning and public policies for industrialization and innovation. This study promotes a qualitative and historical-comparative analysis between aspects of long-term planning in South Korea and the Brazilian case, focusing on the Brazil 2050 Strategy. The study was based on literature on development and on the national plans of countries. The results show that institutional continuity, long-term state coordination, strengthening of technological capabilities, and the articulation between education, industry, and investment in research and development were key to South Korean progress, and their application to the Brazilian context is warranted. This article contributes to the debate by identifying lessons for the Brazilian context and reinforcing the importance of forward-looking state policies to promote sustainable development and innovation.