Brazil invests R$23 billion in four years to consolidate digital sovereignty, ethics and social inclusion in the AI era
*By Darci de Borba
In the week that the federal government released the final version of the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan (PBIA), one piece of news stood out: Brazil plans to invest up to R$1,400,000 (R$23 billion) over four years to consolidate its position as a global leader in the responsible development and application of AI. Coordinated by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), with technical support from the Center for Management and Strategic Studies (CGEE), the document proposes an ambitious agenda that combines technological innovation, digital sovereignty, and commitments to ethics and social inclusion.
This announcement comes amid a global context of accelerated technological competition, in which artificial intelligence is emerging as the most relevant transformative force in the new economy. PBIA aims not only to accompany this transition but also to shape it according to Brazilian values, with actions ranging from the creation of sovereign infrastructure—such as the "national cloud"—to the development of talent and solutions geared toward social well-being.
The plan recognizes that artificial intelligence is not an isolated innovation, but the unfolding of previous waves of digital transformation. From the dawn of computing and the internet to the recent popularization of generative models, AI has advanced exponentially, impacting production chains, labor markets, and ways of life.
In Brazil, this transformation encounters both opportunities and structural barriers. The country's strengths include:
- A predominantly renewable energy matrix, which provides a competitive advantage for data centers with low environmental impact;
- One of the largest public health systems in the world, whose data can support innovative applications;
- A growing scientific research ecosystem, with centers of excellence and accumulated experience in data science.
On the other hand, there are persistent bottlenecks:
- Lack of cutting-edge computing infrastructure, such as specialized supercomputers;
- Regional inequalities in access to the internet and technological education;
- Limited capacity to convert academic production into applied innovation.
The PBIA, therefore, emerges as an attempt to articulate coordinated responses to these challenges, transforming latent potential into inclusive economic and social development. The PBIA is structured around five fundamental axes that encompass strategic areas for its effective implementation:
1) AI Infrastructure and Development: The implementation of a robust technological infrastructure is essential for the success of the PBIA. Of particular note is the proposed acquisition of a supercomputer, one of the five most powerful in the world, which aims to significantly expand Brazil's processing capacity and conduct advanced AI research.
2) Dissemination, training and qualification in AI: The training and development axis addresses the critical shortage of specialized AI workforce in Brazil. The plan envisages expanding and improving educational programs and professional training at various levels, from basic education to postgraduate studies.
3) AI for improving public services: This axis aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of public services through concrete AI applications, such as the automation of administrative processes, predictive analysis for prevention and planning, and personalized services for citizens.
4) AI for business innovation: The application of AI as a driver of business innovation, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is crucial to increasing national productivity and competitiveness. This pillar aims to create environments conducive to digital entrepreneurship, facilitate access to credit, and provide regulatory support.
5) Support for the AI regulatory and governance process: Ethical and regulatory governance is vital to ensuring the safe, ethical, and transparent use of AI. This pillar involves the creation and implementation of robust and agile regulatory frameworks that keep pace with technological developments without inhibiting investment.
From an economic perspective, Brazil's competitiveness in the global market is expected to increase substantially, particularly through the strengthening of SMEs. However, realizing this potential will depend on the country's ability to address structural challenges, such as regional inequalities, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient professional training. Furthermore, the strategic effectiveness of the plan requires constant monitoring, periodic assessments, and adjustments that consider rapid technological developments and the specific demands of society.
The PBIA represents an unprecedented milestone by proposing a significant investment and ambitious goals to consolidate national technological sovereignty. However, there is a considerable gap between strategic formulation and the effective execution of actions, especially regarding technological infrastructure, which requires installed capabilities that are still incipient in Brazil. Furthermore, although the plan provides for extensive professional training, the results will depend on the coordination between different federative entities, universities, and private companies, which has historically proven challenging.
Another critical point concerns regulatory governance. Creating agile and effective legal frameworks requires balancing the need to protect individual rights and ensure transparency with the urgency of not stifling innovation. International experience shows that overly restrictive regulatory models can lead to a flight of talent and investment.
Finally, it is important to emphasize that the proposal to develop a "sovereign cloud" and acquire supercomputers, although relevant, will require not only substantial financial resources, but also robust maintenance, technological updating, and cybersecurity strategies, otherwise they will become underutilized or outdated solutions in the short term.
The PBIA signals a paradigm shift in the national development strategy by linking technological innovation to digital sovereignty, social inclusion, and ethical commitment. Its implementation could solidify Brazil as a benchmark in Latin America, stimulating innovation ecosystems and fostering new markets and skills. However, fully achieving its objectives will depend on overcoming the country's historical challenges, such as regional inequalities, infrastructure limitations, and a shortage of specialized professionals.
It is essential that the federal government, in collaboration with states, universities, businesses, and civil society, adopt ongoing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to adapt the plan to rapidly changing global technology landscapes. With political commitment, consistent investment, and effective governance, the PBIA can effectively transform potential into concrete results, ensuring that artificial intelligence is a driver of shared prosperity and sustainable development.
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
Article originally published on the IT Forum website: https://itforum.com.br/colunas/plano-brasileiro-ia-soberana/
References
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION. (2025). AI for the good of all: Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan. Brasília: MCTI and CGEE. ISBN 978-65-5775-097-1.
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