Spotlight on the BRICs 

Biotechnology innovation is an engine of economic growth. Many countries have thus made the development of a biotechnology sector an economic priority and have allocated significant resources into its development. While the established markets remain a vital source of new discoveries and business opportunities, the emerging markets are becoming increasingly attractive as governments implement national strategies for biotechnology growth and development.

This program will highlight and explore the development strategies of the four BRIC nations. The panels in this program are designed to identify and discuss specific initiatives within each country that are driving the pace of biotechnology innovation. Each nation will have a dedicated half-day program.

BRAZIL 

1:30-2:45 p.m.

Investing in Biotechnology in Brazil: Government and Financial Agencies

As the sixth largest economy in the world - expected to reach fifth place in the next decade - and the largest in Latin America, Brazil is a top destination for foreign investment and an increasingly important operator on the international geopolitical stage.  The development and expansion of biotechnology is a key priority for the country, reflected in the availability of governmental funding instruments for the sector, including regular credit lines and non-refundable grant programs.  This panel will present the financial support policies of three major federal Brazilian organisms: the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (APEX) and will include discussion of regulatory frameworks and policies to promote the sector. 

Moderator: Mr. Nelson Fujimoto, Secretary of Innovation, Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC);

Speakers:
Luiz Henrique M. do Canto Pereira, National Coordinator for Biotechnology and Health (NCBH), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI);
Pedro Lins Palmeira Filho, Head of the Pharmaceutical Department of the Industrial Area, National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES);
Flavia Egypto, Investment Officer, Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (APEX).

3:00-4:15 p.m.

Biotechnology Innovation in Brazil: Perspectives from BIO Member Biopharmaceutical Companies Operating in the Market

Brazil’s industrial policies have focused on the biopharmaceutical sector since 2004.  In recent years, numerous measures and incentives have been created to spur the biotechnology industry in Brazil and though the country has achieved encouraging outcomes in some areas, significant challenges remain for Brazil to become a global leader in the industry. This panel will present perspectives from different BIO member biopharmaceutical companies that have business platforms in Brazil.  They will debate the competitive advantages Brazil enjoys in the biopharmaceutical area.  Cases of investments in innovation carried out by international companies, as well as partnerships with research centers, universities and domestic innovative companies will be presented. Companies will also address challenges and bottlenecks that may limit Brazil’s potential in the area.

Moderator: Ricardo Camargo Mendes, Managing Partner, Prospectiva Consultoria;

Speakers:
Rogerio Ribeiro, Senior Vice President and General Manager, GlaxoSmithKline;
Laura Hamill, Vice President for Latin America, Amgen
Peter Carberry, Senior Vice President, Global Development Operations, Astellas Pharma
Adele Gulfo, Regional President for Latin America, Pfizer

4:30-5:15 p.m.

Industrial Biotechnology in a New Geography of Innovation: Brazilian Perspectives in Biofuels and Bio-based Chemicals

The world economy has faced new trends and challenges in the beginning of the twenty-first century, including the increased demand for natural resources stemming from the rapid growth of emerging economies.  Meanwhile there is unprecedented worldwide concern for the environment.  The growing internationalization of business R&D activities and the emergence of globally distributed R&D networks of multinational enterprises (MNEs) are creating a new geography of innovation.  Innovation and technological trajectories, especially in biotechnology, are increasingly driven by these trends and challenges.  During this special presentation the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) will provide an overview of Brazil’s innovation capacity in biofuels, highlighting Brazil’s experience in the sugarcane value chain.  The presentation will highlight market opportunities for investment and collaboration for leading companies and biotech start-up firms.

Speakers: 
Mr. Artur Yabe Milanez, Manager of Biofuels Department, BNDES

Ability Level: All

Session ID: 2042