Competing for public research funding: A strategic approach for The Institute of Advanced Studies at the Brazilian Aerospace Technology Center

Since the last decade, budget constraint problems led the Brazilian government to establish a new approach to financing research, development and innovation (R&D&I). It was created public funds, which are designed either to promote specific sectors or to finance the development of a broader spectrum of R&D&I. This new approach for funding has stimulated a healthy competition among research institutions. In this context, public research institutions must develop a strategy that strengthens their abilities to compete with sustainable advantages in this new financial resources market. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to propose a strategic approach to planning the attraction of these public resources for the case of the Institute for Advanced Studies - a public Brazilian aerospace research center. At first, it is argued that the financing strategy adopted by the Institute has to be aligned to the main institutional strategic planning, and has to help to implement the strategic R&D&I project portfolio. Additionally, it is discussed that the competition strategy for public research funding should be mission-oriented, focusing on those funds that allow to implement strategic projects, while supporting the development of the Institute´s core competencies, by improving internal competencies, and by building partnerships with other research centers.