The article offers the outlines of the Brazilian biotechnology in human health sector, in terms of scientific output, dependence of the private sector on public funding for R, the low capacity for innovation in the development of new pharmaceuticals and the uncoupling between progresses in science and technology and innovation in the private sector of biotechnology in human health, showing its spatial and sectoral concentration. Looking at three relevant aspects - territorial distribution, scientific output and R in private corporations -, it indicates that, despite the progresses in the sector, there are still weaknesses to overcome in order to promote economic growth based on knowledge and innovation.
Biotechnology; Innovation; Research and development; Economic growth
