02/08/2024

'Mathematics can be the engine of a more prosperous future,' says Viana.

IMPA's Director-General, Marcelo Viana, defended this Thursday (1st), during his participation in the 5th National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation (5CNCTI), in Brasília, a greater affinity between universities and the job market.

In the session "Education for Science and Science for Education," which discussed the necessary advancements in the field, Viana highlighted the importance of investments in undergraduate programs, such as mathematics, engineering, and computer science, to meet the demands of an increasingly technological market.

"The job market is massively seeking professionals with a background in mathematics, and today we offer very little in relation to the demand," Viana observed. "Mathematics, with its vast and proven potential, can be the engine of a more prosperous and innovative future for Brazil."

To demonstrate the importance of the field in wealth generation, the researcher also addressed studies conducted by different countries, which show the significant contribution of science to the economy.

"Professions linked to mathematics are more productive and more resilient to crises, as became very clear during the pandemic. Furthermore, several studies in developed countries show the enormous contribution of mathematics to the national GDP of each of them."

A UK research agency assessed the contribution of mathematics in 2010, finding that 10% of all jobs in the UK were related to mathematics, and 16% of the country's GDP was directly related to the field. Similar studies in other countries yielded similar results.

In Spain, according to a 2016 study, 6% of jobs created were related to mathematics, and 10% of Spain's GDP was associated with this field of science. In more recent research, France presented a report in 2022 showing growth from 16% to 18% of mathematics' contribution to GDP in just ten years.

In Brazil, professions related to mathematics generate 7.6% of total jobs in the country, and mathematics accounts for 4.6% of Brazil's GDP, according to a study released by Itaú Social in partnership with IMPA. “Although we are behind more developed countries, these numbers are extremely encouraging, indicating vast growth potential. In 2022, Brazil's GDP reached R $ 9.9 trillion, meaning that mathematics' contribution corresponds to R $ 455 million. It's a goldmine to be explored,” he stated.

Viana concluded his participation in the event by noting that the shift in this area "is a multidimensional challenge that involves motivating young people, state policies to incentivize education, and the commitment of funding agencies to prioritize the granting of scholarships and aid, taking into account the country's interests," he concluded.

5CNCTI brought together 30,000 participants both in person and online.

Held between July 30th and August 1st, the 5th National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation had as its theme: "Science, Technology and Innovation for a Just, Sustainable and Developed Brazil". The objective of the meeting was to bring together different specialists in the area and analyze programs and plans of the National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (ENCTI) 2016-2023, and their results, with a view to proposing recommendations for the elaboration of the 2024-2030 plan, in addition to actions to be executed in the long term.