Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) has announced the creation of the Center for Applied Studies on Sustainable Development (CEADS). The centre will prepare research to support sustainable development policies and strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy, reports Brasil 247, a TV BRICS partner.
The centre’s initial areas of focus include forests and the bioeconomy, critical and strategic minerals, the modernisation of Brazilian football, the audiovisual industry, the chemical sector and the future of retail in the country. CEADS will produce studies and courses, as well as bring together researchers and specialists to address economic and industrial challenges.
The bank’s president, Aloizio Mercadante, said the initiative aims to integrate research projects already being developed by the institution in partnership with public and private organisations. According to him, CEADS will coordinate these initiatives.
The bank noted that, as a development institution, its role is to connect the government, universities, companies and civil society organisations. According to its leadership, this approach will help transform academic research and technical expertise into tools for designing, implementing and evaluating public policies.
Mercadante highlighted the bank’s role in Brazil’s economic development. According to him, it is important to have a financial institution with assets worth 1.1 trillion reais (approximately US$213 billion).