The inaugural lecture of the 2014 edition of the ECLAC Summer School was given by Dr. Mariano Laplane, President of the Center for Strategic Studies and Management of Brazil (CGEE). His presentation was highly provocative and thought-provoking: He addressed the challenges posed by economic development in a context in which a technological revolution is taking place and when the room for maneuver (in economic policy and industrial policy) is curtailed by financialization and less favorable conditions in international trade. Laplane stressed the importance of being at the same time highly pro-active in industrial and technological policies and highly selective in choosing the sectors which can be encouraged (given the budget constraints and the velocity at which the technological frontier moves). Brazil advanced significantly in many fronts in recent years, particularly in reducing inequality and in incorporating to formal employment and consumption a substantial part of its population. To sustain these advances in the future investment and technological catching up will be crucial.
Watch the presentation here (use Internet Explorer).
Watch the presentation here (use Internet Explorer).