By Juan Quirós, president of Investe São Paulo
Like ghosts that haunt the economy, economic crises are cyclical. Developed and developing countries invariably pass through them, to a greater or lesser extent. What differentiates the former from the latter is the presence of solid economic structures, which allow the search for solutions even in difficult times.
The strengthening of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) market – with investment in infrastructure, research and human capital – is an important way to make the country less vulnerable to the uncertain climate of the world economy. With great weight in the Brazilian and São Paulo economy, the sector is one of those that most attract foreign investment and generate jobs and innovation for the entire productive fabric.
This is one of the reasons why São Paulo continues to attract investors despite the national economic downturn. In order to stand out from the competition in times of growth and crisis, these companies want to open industries, businesses and develop partnerships in the State. It is a more visionary strategy, attentive to the difficulties of the present, but aware that the best fruits are usually harvested in the long term.
This year alone, the team at Investe São Paulo, the investment promotion agency linked to the Secretariat for Economic Development, Science, Technology and Innovation, has already announced the completion of 20 projects. These are investments in the ICT market and in several other segments of the economy that, together, generated more than R$ 6.9 billion in investments and more than 7.5 thousand direct jobs until the first half of August.
Fundamental for the country's economic development, the ICT sector handled R$ 441 billion and represented 8.8% of the national GDP in 2013. The forecast is that, by 2022, its share in the Brazilian economy will be over 10%, increasing its relevance For the country.
In São Paulo, ICT is a priority sector, with the State being the main investment center for this industry in Brazil. The size of the market is reflected in the number of people it employs. Between 2003 and 2013, 40,828 jobs were created in the ICT area in the state. This was the sector in which foreign investment generated the most new jobs in the period.
The foreign investor's preference for São Paulo is evident in several indicators. More than 70% of foreign capital invested in ICT in Brazil is invested in the State. In addition, 16 of the 23 multinationals in the sector installed in the country are headquartered in São Paulo.
The diversified economy, the concentration of corporate headquarters, the supply of qualified labor and the strength of the industrial, service and agribusiness sectors are some of the factors that qualify the State as the ICT center in Brazil.
It is in São Paulo that the main technological centers in Latin America are located, such as Campinas, Jundiaí and São José dos Campos. These are cities with a high concentration of talent and excellent business opportunities with synergistic sectors of the economy.
Araraquara, Ribeirão Preto, São Carlos, Sorocaba and Taubaté have emerged as new technological centers. In recent years, they have shown rapid economic growth in the sector and implemented measures to foster new business in their territories.
The capital of São Paulo concentrates the operational centers of the largest ICT multinationals. The metropolitan region of the city competes directly with New York, London and Bangalore, which are references in attracting investments in this area in the world.
This rich business environment, combined with the performance of state universities, technology parks, incubators and other institutions that promote education and professional training, favors the development of a broad system where technology companies, consultancies and startups proliferate.
It is a complex ecosystem, which favors the creation of new knowledge-intensive business models and increased company productivity. Ultimately, it strengthens the country in the face of national and international economic vicissitudes.
Sooner or later, Brazil will resume its growth climb. States that prioritize the ICT sector will be better able to lead national economic development. And São Paulo is already a step ahead in this regard.
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