Brazil’s Struggle in Global Digital Competitiveness

According to a study by the Dom Cabral Foundation, Brazil consistently ranks 57th in digital competitiveness, maintaining the same position as in 2018 and 2019.

Digital competitiveness refers to a country’s ability to effectively utilize digital technologies to drive economic productivity, innovation, and overall digital transformation.

The study evaluated 64 countries, focusing on their ability to integrate digital tools to enhance economic productivity.

Brazil is among the bottom 10 countries in this ranking. Three key factors contribute to Brazil’s low ranking.

These include the international experience of its workforce, technological skills, and strategies for city management to support business growth.

Despite these challenges, Brazil shows strengths in certain areas.

The country’s education expenditure, totaling R$ 84 ($17) billion in 2022, and its scientific research, particularly in women’s participation, stand out as positives.

The study emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach. Both the government and businesses must invest and work together to overcome digital transformation hurdles.

Hugo Tadeu, from the Dom Cabral Foundation, highlights Brazil’s high capital costs as a major barrier to innovation.

Brazil will likely remain stagnant

He predicts that Brazil will likely remain stagnant in future rankings.

For improvement, Brazil requires consistent state policies. These policies should focus on advancing the country’s digitalization, regardless of government changes.

Innovation, Tadeu notes, requires more than just hubs and startups. It demands comprehensive strategies, resources, and funding.

On a global scale, the United States leads in digital competitiveness, with the Netherlands and Singapore following.

The report points to the dominance of North America, Europe, and Asia in the rankings. Conversely, several Latin American countries, including Brazil, rank lower.

Botswana, Argentina, Colombia, Mongolia, and Venezuela occupy the last positions in the study.

In contrast, South Korea, ranked 7th, is highlighted as a success story due to its effective public policies.

The study’s methodology involved assessing knowledge, technology, and future readiness through 54 indicators.

Over 6,400 executives from the 64 countries provided input for this comprehensive analysis.

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