Science, Technology and Innovation and the SUS: a study on health INCTs

Abstract The study evaluates the potentialities and limits of Science, Technology and Innovation Policies approximation of research carried out in the country and the SUS. It is based on an analysis matrix anchored in the field of Social Studies of Science and Technology, from a social constructivist perspective. Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews carried out with the Coordinators of the health INCTs. The evaluation of the responses was guided by analytical categories of motivation and influence, including guidelines directed at development initiatives. The results show that the INCT Program was successful in strengthening the scientific base in the country and the coordination between researchers and institutions, but the advances were incipient in terms of bringing research closer to the SUS. It also reveals gaps in the initiatives of the INCT Program, such as the bureaucratic evaluation of results and the lack of dialogue between researchers, policy makers, health managers and the population, necessary strategies to increase the engagement of the scientific community in facing public health problems.