About the Roles of TVET in the Brazilian System of Innovation

Abstract

This paper employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to investigate the discourses on modernization of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Brazil and its integration into the national innovation system. Two key aspects are explored: (1) how the roles of TVET organizations are represented in the innovation and TVET discourses in Brazil, and (2) how the roles of TVET graduates in innovation processes are represented in the innovation and TVET discourses in Brazil.The research framework draws from Cultural Political Economy(CPE) and the Critical Discourse Analysis. The analysis, based on the CDA approach of Fairclough & Fairclough (2011, 2012) is presented around three main layers: Discursive Practices, Discourses as Texts, and Discourse as Social Practices. Data collection methods encompass document analysis and interviews with experts in Brazil. The study finds that SENAI and the Federal Network advocate a radical approach, aiming to boost TVET’s role in Brazil’s innovation model, while SENAC takes a conservative stance, limiting the involvement of TVET institutions and graduates in innovation.