*By André Cavalcanti
Brazil is experiencing one of the most promising moments in its recent history in the information technology sector. By 2025, the national IT market is expected to generate 147,000 new formal jobs, especially in the areas of cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and automation, according to data from Brasscom (the Association of Information and Communication Technology and Digital Technologies Companies). This is a clear sign that digitalization has ceased to be a trend and has consolidated itself as a driver of economic development. However, a challenge persists and needs to be addressed urgently: regional inequality in access to opportunities and investments in technology.
According to LinkedIn (2024), only 11% of IT vacancies in Brazil are in the North and Northeast regions, while the Southeast accounts for more than 60% of hiring. This asymmetry is not justified solely by market size or economic power. What we have, in practice, is a country that concentrates its innovation efforts in a few centers, ignoring hubs with immense human, creative, and technological potential, which remain underutilized.
Expanding beyond the Southeast is not just a matter of social justice. It's also a smart strategy for sustainable development and technological security. IT decentralization helps diversify knowledge hubs, mitigate the risks of concentrating critical infrastructure, and stimulate the growth of new digital ecosystems capable of responding to local demands with tailored solutions. Cities like Belém, Recife, Salvador, Manaus, and Fortaleza already offer environments conducive to innovation, with cutting-edge universities, high digital consumption, and emerging talent. What's still lacking is scalable investment, support for technical training, and effective connections with the national ecosystem.
The decentralization of technology also plays a crucial role in building Brazil into a true global innovation hub. A country that relies solely on a single geographic hub to sustain its digital advancement rests on fragile foundations for sustainable growth. On the contrary: when knowledge circulates, innovation is strengthened. A robust ecosystem needs to be diverse, regionally distributed, and adaptable to the distinct realities of the country.
Investing in physical presence, partnering with local institutions, promoting training programs, and ensuring access to cutting-edge technologies are actions that generate a direct impact. It's not just about teaching, but about trusting and including. Talent is present throughout the country; what changes is the infrastructure and opportunities available for this talent to flourish.
The future of Brazilian IT depends on our ability to democratize access to knowledge and opportunities, and I consider tax incentives essential for companies to pursue operations in the region and for us to achieve this expansion goal. Furthermore, we need to produce qualified professionals to continue our technological legacy and advance innovations. There's no point in having vacancies if we don't have a skilled and up-to-date workforce.
Valuing the North and Northeast regions is more than correcting historical imbalances: it's ensuring that Brazil grows broadly, strategically, and with solid foundations to become a global leader in innovation. It's time to move beyond our own axis and, above all, to expand our vision.
*André Cavalcanti is Channel Manager at Adistec Brasil
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
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