First Annual CISB Meeting defines paths for cooperation via open innovation between Brazil and Sweden and promotes a space for integration
With the purpose of starting a fixed calendar of debates about the cooperation between Brazil and Sweden and strengthen bilateral innovation networks, the Swedish-Brazilian Research and Innovation Center (CISB) held in November its First Annual Meeting. Nearly 130 professionals related to universities, industries and governments from both countries gathered for two days in Sao Paulo to discuss the possibilities for joint work and the role the organization will play in this process.
Created six months ago, CISB had gathered partners in different moments, but for the first time it brought together so many players for a single discussion. Bruno Rondani, Center's Executive Director, explains that the organization was born to be the bridge connecting common points of interest between different players. "CISB is a neutral element in the mediation of actions for technology exchange and generation of innovation. Its members bring challenges and projects for each industry and country, and from this the Center creates the necessary connections for the solutions, articulating meetings with investors and alternatives for financing," he states.
Carlos Costa, Specialist in International Projects for Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development (ABDI), believes that the creation of CISB adds value to an ongoing process. According to him, Sweden has been considered a strategic partner by the Brazilian government, but only in 2005 the contacts with the country were intensified. In 2009, ABDI created a specific project for technology and innovation collaboration for the country.
For him, the entrance of CISB to this articulation boosts the results of the approximation. "The creation of CISB within the context in which Brazil gets close to Sweden is highly welcome, since it enhances the institutional level and helps maintain an ongoing relationship. Thus, CISB creates a real possibility of advancing this agenda and connecting important projects for both nations," he states.
Currently, the organization has six institutions admitted as members, and there are 40 letters of intention signed by future partners. On the first phase, CISB has mainly congregated Sweden members, but the participation remains open to Brazilian interested parties and shall solidify over the coming months.
In addition to establishing specific discussions on how these partnerships will be made, the First Annual CISB Meeting was an opportunity for professionals related to the Center to come into contact with each other and exchange experiences. Even people from same-country organizations met for the first time or started a contact networking that will be positive for establishing partnerships. For Semida Silveira, professor of the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), the meeting was important to increase the understanding about the role played by CISB and by each partner. "We are starting to execute ideas and, in this process, the role CISB plays becomes clearer. Now, how the projects will be applied must be defined," she says.