Tendências das políticas do estado brasileiro para o desenvolvimento da inteligência artificial: o caso dos centros de pesquisa aplicada em inteligência artificial

Abstract

Since the emergence of a new Deep Learning technique in 2012, interest in artificial intelligence (AI) has increased significantly in industry, the scientific community and the media (LEE, 2018). Over time, technology became a state matter, to the point that, in the late 2010s, several countries published national strategies for the development of AI. Following this trend, Brazil published in 2021 the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Strategy. Interestingly, however, the country had already put in place three policies to promote AI, one of them being the Centers for Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence program. In our research, we sought to examine the progress of this program in its initial stages, conceiving it as a State policy aimed at fostering innovation and national development. For this, we analyzed data collected on interviews, seminars and documents from organs funding bodies and from each of the six centers contemplated in the program, while supported by theoretical production on the economic role of technology, development and innovation systems. Our work points out that, taking the program as a reference, the formulation, planning and execution of a policy for the development of artificial intelligence in Brazil has very visible limitations and contradictions, even though it constitutes a relevant initiative.