Technological intensity in Brazilian Industry from 2001 to 2021: Sectoral Composition and Lessons from China's Experience for Brazil

Intensidade tecnológica na indústria brasileira de 2001 a 2021: composição setorial e lições da experiência chinesa para o Brasil

Resumen

The Brazilian industry has undergone a continuous contraction process in recent decades, compromising the country's economic development. In this context, initiatives such as the Nova Indústria Brasil (NIB) aim to restore national productive capacity, yet without addressing a genuine industrial sophistication. This study evaluates the trajectory of Brazilian industry from 2001 to 2021, classifying it according to OECD technological intensity levels and proposing strategies for reindustrialization focused on high-tech sectors. The analysis of employment, export and value-added trends reveals concentration in medium-low technology activities, with low participation from advanced sectors, indicating a regressive specialization in lower value-added activities. Drawing on China's experience anchored in: (1) massive investments in R&D, (2) macroeconomic price controls, and (3) active industrial policy, we discuss alternatives to reverse this scenario.