Each year, five thousand Brazilians present their research theses, but few are taken in by companies, responsible for converting knowledge into wealth for society. South-Korean companies employ 74,565 engineers and scientists, while 48,588 are absorbed by schools. Fapesp gained visibility and established a foothold in the international scientific community upon deciphering the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa 's genetic sequence. The Foundation has been endeavoring to stimulate technological innovation within companies, with or without collegiate participation.
Demand is low.
Research within companies is very weak compared to academics. Companies that conduct this research internally do not only do so for confidentiality, in order to keep their productive edge. To achieve this, students need to participate. Their lack of expertise hampers research. For these reasons, Fapesp has also offered the Technological Innovation in Small Companies Program since 1997, supporting researchers with direct links to the company.