Serratec, the Technological Park of the Serrana Region in Brazil has emerged as a pivotal player in the technology and innovation ecosystem of Rio de Janeiro’s interior. With a mission to transform lives through technological innovation, Serratec is driving regional development and positioning itself as a strategic vector for socioeconomic growth in the region and the state.
As the newly appointed board president of Serratec it is exciting to witness how the organization is expanding its influence in the Brazilian technological landscape. It is our goal to build bridges between the public, private, and academic sectors, attracting investment, and fostering entrepreneurship within the region. The vision for the next two years is to strengthen Serratec institutionally and transform the Serrana Region into a reference for technological excellence in Brazil and abroad.
Serratec’s Unique Model of Innovation
Operating on an open and distributed urban technological park model, Serratec functions as a private non-profit Institution of Science and Technology (ICT) of public interest. The reach of the organization spans the municipalities of Petrópolis, Teresópolis, Nova Friburgo, and Areal. With over 400 technology-based companies generating more than 5,000 jobs and over 1.1 billion reais in annual revenue, the impact is substantial.
Collaboration and Synergy
The Serratec ecosystem thrives on continuous collaboration between private initiatives, academic and research institutions, government, and the local community. This synergy has led to the creation of strategic national and international partnerships, strengthening the cycle of innovation and developing solutions that cater to both domestic and global markets. As an organization, we are proving that Brazil can decentralize technological development and promote innovation beyond major urban centers.
Key Initiatives and Outcomes
Some standout initiatives include:
- Training digital professionals with social impact
- Technological innovation · Growth in qualified employment and income
- Emergence of innovative multi-partner projects
- Stimulation of the technology production arrangement
- New businesses and competitiveness
- Research, development, and innovation (RD&I)
- Strengthening the regional ecosystem with strong networked action
Serratec’s structure connects over 30 regional technology-based companies with distinct competencies that serve more than 30 countries. Thanks to the innovative model and solid results, the organization is on the path to being recognized with a “geographical indication” seal.
Commitment to ESG
Since August 2024, Serratec has been a signatory of the UN Global Compact, committing to the ESG agenda. The organization is making institutional changes to achieve better governance and sustainability practices, impacting operations both internally and externally.
A Legacy of Innovation
Although founded in 2019, Serratec’s roots go back over 30 years, including the Petrópolis-Tecnópolis movement and the installation of the National Laboratory for Scientific Computing (LNCC) in Petrópolis. This institution houses the Santos Dumont supercomputer, central to Brazil’s new Artificial Intelligence Strategy (EBIA), launched in July 2024.
Community and Ecosystem Impact
One of the core pillars of the organization is its commitment to the socioeconomic development of the Serrana Region. It offers free professional training programs for young people and adults, with affirmative action for vulnerable groups. These efforts promote social inclusion and employment opportunities in high-tech sectors, significantly reducing social inequality in the region.
Its Residency in ICT program is a prime example. This agile, free, immersion-based technology training program, conducted in partnership with various institutions, aims to expand the supply of professionals for the growing technology sector. Since its inception in 2019, we have trained over a thousand digital professionals, with an employability rate of over 50 percent, injecting over 37 million reais into the regional economy through salary payments.
New Projects and Strategic Vision
As Serratec expands and consolidates, new projects and initiatives are emerging, guided by a new Strategic Plan launched in July 2024. These projects include a Business Office and an Innovation Hub, focusing on multi-partner innovative projects in areas like Tourism, Agriculture, Smart and Resilient Cities, and Social Innovation. With a clear strategic vision and solid results, Serratec is positioning itself as a major innovation hub in Brazil. The coming years promise further technological advancements, ecosystem strengthening, and the development of innovation-based projects. We are committed to reshaping the future of technology in Brazil and serving as an inspiration for other technological parks and development initiatives.
Gustavo Braz is the Director of the Major Service Center Americas at Orange Business and board president at Serratec.