24/04/2019

Mathematics yields a pension reform every year.

Deputados durante discussão da reforma da Previdência; ao centro, Felipe Francischini (PSL-PR), presidente da Comissão de Constituição e Justiça e de Cidadania da Câmara – Pedro Ladeira/Folhapress

Reproduction of Marcelo Viana's column in Folha de S.Paulo.

I've written here before about the material value of mathematics. From optimizing production and distribution networks to developing communication and information technologies, mathematical knowledge plays a leading role in the global economy of the internet age. What is that worth in money?

At the beginning of the decade, four countries—the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Australia—conducted technical studies to quantify the contribution of mathematics to their economies. The conclusions were similar and impressive: 10% to 11% of jobs are in professions with a strong mathematical component, and these activities generate 13% to 16% of the GDP (gross domestic product) of these countries.

Translated into Brazilian terms, this means that mathematics can add R$ 1 trillion (per year!) to our economy. That's what the federal government intends to save over ten years with the pension reform. How can this potential be realized?

Another European country, Spain, has just published a study of this type. Because it is a case somewhat closer to ours, the conclusions are especially interesting for Brazil. The numbers are smaller, but still impressive. Activities with a strong incorporation of mathematics create 6% of jobs and generate 10.1% of Spain's GDP, that is, 103 billion euros (R$ 455 billion) per year.

Including indirect impacts, this rises to 19.4% of jobs and 26.9% of GDP. The most impacted sectors are information technology, telecommunications, finance, and the energy industry.

The productivity of these mathematically-based professions is comparable to that of the most advanced countries: €47.20 (R$208.40) per hour. According to the study, "the difference in impact is explained by the Spanish productive structure, which is more oriented towards activities with a lower presence of professions that require a certain level of mathematical intensity."

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