Developments in Science and Technology Current Technology Available (Computers, Machinery, Tools, etc.) Brazil amazes with its rapid economical development and variety of technology devices and machinery available due to science and technology achievements. There are developments in space research programs by the National Institute for Space Research, the National Institute of Amazonian Research, the National Institute of Technology. Among the evident achievements in technology are the Brazilian National Laboratory of Synchrotron Light – created for physics, chemistry, and material science research – and ‘Embraer 190’ – Brazilian aerospace conglomerate’s technology product. Alcantara Launch Center, the satellite launching base is a significant advantage of Brazilian science and technology production. Percentage of GNP Invested in Research and Development R&D is the contribution to the technological innovations. The Federal Service of Data Processing, Industrial Research on Technological Innovation (Brazilian Institute on Geography and Statistics) report the data on percentage of GNP invested in R&D, those are: 0.96% GNP. Among the latter are public expenses (0.55%), state expenses (0.22%), entrepreneurial expenses (0.42%), etc. R&D is exercised through the attainment of services, goods and knowledge. The percentage GNP invested in R&D through internal country’s activities rates up to 67% and the external ones are up to 92%. Technological Skills of the Labor Force and General Population Brazil is the fifth country in the world according to the population rates. This, however, made government face some problems. Among the issues stated were education and social inequality. The technological skills of the labor force in Brazil are not adequately estimated due to these factors. Teaching has been gradually deteriorating; hence, the level of education influences the economy of the country greatly. The cultural issue of Brazilian men being dominating in all spheres of social life hardens it to develop economy because of women’s problems to get employed, whereas there are very skillful and smart female employees lost this way. Besides, the country has two objectives: to provide the population with technology while many cannot afford tech devices, and reduce the dependence on sources of energy. Channels of Distribution (Macro Analysis) This section reports data on all channel middlemen available within the market. Later, you will select a specific channel as part of your distribution strategy. Retailers Number of retailers Brazil is an emerging world economy player. The country undergoes a small rate of unemployment, though it is not too crucial in comparison to developed countries. The foreign retailers in Brazil have vast opportunities and can operate, start business, work 8 or 24 hours per day and get real estate properties practically without any problems. Many entered Brazilian market through opening of new stores, logistic companies and plants. So, there are 15 major retail companies in Brazil. According to the gross sales (USD) the most prosperous is ‘Companhia Blasileira de Distibuicao’, food retailer – 6.890 USD per month. And the last on this list is D Paschoal with 654 USD gross sales per month. Overall there are 51 retailers gross total, and 32 net total in Brazil. Typical size of retail outlets In Brazil the supermarket sector covers about 80% of