Avaliação da evolução da Inteligência Artificial no Nordeste brasileiro a partir do Diretório dos Grupos de Pesquisa do CNPq (1980 - 2026)

Abstract

This study discusses what is conventionally termed Artificial Intelligence in the Northeast region of Brazil, considering its integration into the Brazilian AI Plan and the capabilities of research groups at Northeastern universities. Its general objective is to map the installed capacity of Artificial Intelligence research groups across the nine Northeastern states based on records from the CNPq Research Groups Directory (DGP-CNPq) and to examine how this capacity relates to the aforementioned Brazilian policy. The methodology employs a descriptive, mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach, utilizing a literature review and documentary research. Secondary data collection was conducted using the CNPq Current Database with the search term Artificial Intelligence, covering fifteen fields of knowledge. Data were organized into spreadsheets to categorize institutional profiles and human resources, then analyzed using descriptive statistics including tables, charts, and maps to support the interpretation of results. A methodological innovation involved the use of Generative AI (Gemini) to group research lines by theme. The results identified a support infrastructure comprising 591 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region with Bahia standing out (24.3%) and the existence of 54 certified, active research groups distributed across the nine Northeastern states. Although the distribution is uneven, a statistical tie for the lead was observed among Bahia, Pernambuco, and Paraíba (9 groups each), followed by Ceará (8 groups), Maranhão (5), Rio Grande do Norte (5), Piauí (4), Alagoas (3), and Sergipe (2). It was also noted that, while the first group was established in 1980, there has been a significant acceleration in recent years (2024–2025), a period during which 19 new groups were formed. In terms of fields of knowledge, Computer Science remains dominant (57.4%), yet the study points to robust multidisciplinary expansion into areas such as Law, Education, Economics, and Health. The structure of these groups demonstrates academic maturity, comprising 429 researchers (72% of whom hold PhDs) and 479 students, thereby ensuring the development of qualified human capital for the region. The results also indicate that the region possesses a significant scientific base capable of contributing to the implementation of the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan (PBIA) guidelines particularly regarding the strengthening of research, innovation, and talent development even though challenges related to regional disparities in scientific capacity persist. It is concluded that these research groups serve as strategic elements for strengthening Regional Innovation Systems, contributing to the scientific, technological, and socioeconomic development of the Brazilian Northeast.