NoPa: an innovative model of producing and disseminating knowledge
Questions related to science, technology and innovation with Germany feature prominently in Brazilian cooperation. They can become even more prominent if barriers such as distance, financing, language and culture are removed for researchers and institutions in both countries. Another considerable challenge is involving the private sector in cooperation projects so that innovation gains more importance both on the German and the Brazilian side.
In this context, NoPa (Novas Parcerias) – a joint action of CAPES, DAAD and GIZ supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação - MCTI) – is a modern instrument that optimizes cooperation efforts with solid methodology and large operational flexibility.
NoPa uses a set of tools that address the crucial points of bilateral international cooperation: identifying partners, structuring projects, defining eligibility criteria, obtaining seed money and disseminating results to society.
Offering a website in which researchers, companies and financing institutions publish their plans and contact details, NoPa has created an online environment in which converging interests can be identified and consolidated. In some cases, this leads to a first project draft.
NoPa’s primary objective is to facilitate new partnerships to promote sustainable development. To achieve that, it is essential to bring together the capacities of the players involved in the scientific and technical cooperation modalities: scientists, research funders, development agencies, government bodies, policy makers and the private sector.