Senai Manager Lacerda: 'Our Mission is to Implement Public Policies'

Maicon Lacerda, Manager of Technology Business Development at the Brazilian National Industrial Learning Service (Senai), made statements during a critical event focused on Brazil's industrial transformation. Lacerda was one of the speakers at the 'Metrópoles Talks' event held in Brasília, aimed at making the industry stronger, more productive, and prepared for global challenges. The event was organized through a collaboration between Metrópoles and the Brazilian Industrial Development Agency (ABDI) to support the country's industrial sector in terms of innovation and competitiveness. In his speech here, Lacerda emphasized that Senai undertakes a significant mission as the technical arm of the industry, fulfilling it at the most basic level of this factory, i.e., in the production field. He stated that they contribute to the daily operations of the business world by offering technical support and concrete solutions, particularly regarding the challenges faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Providing detailed information about Senai's approach and the support offered to entrepreneurs, Maicon Lacerda expressed that the life of a business owner is by no means simple and that they have to deal with many complex challenges. Lacerda clearly explained that Senai steps in as a technical solution partner in this difficult process, and that their most fundamental duty is to assist in the actual implementation of determined public policies, i.e., their application in the field. He stated that they always provide guidance with a technical approach to lighten the burden of the business world and focus on achieving the highest result with the least effort. He emphasized that entrepreneurs are under serious pressure due to external factors, but if they control their internal processes, they can gain a competitive advantage. He argued that although external factors such as taxation, market access, and external logistics are difficult, companies can reach a stronger position in global competition by increasing their internal efficiency with good planning.

Delving into the essence of productivity and competitiveness issues, Lacerda said that one of the most critical steps to be taken to increase company performance is the detection and elimination of waste in production processes. He stated that in industrial activities, when non-value-adding activities, unnecessary movement, and transportation costs, and similar inefficiencies are measured, businesses are shocked when they realize the extent of the resource waste they are in. At this point, he conveyed that Senai guides businesses to prioritize correctly and ensures they focus on important matters. According to Lacerda, one of the biggest bottlenecks to productivity is that processes are not standardized enough and modern production techniques are not adopted. He argued that it would be meaningless for businesses to go directly to automation or robotics without structuring and standardizing their processes first, because if the foundation is not solid, advanced technology will not provide the expected benefit.

Maicon Lacerda issued serious warnings not only about process improvement but also about the quality of human resources, stating that one of the country's most important problems is the lack of education and personnel training. He emphasized that for the development of industry, there is a need not only for the existing workforce but also for a new generation workforce equipped with technical skills suitable for new technologies. Lacerda explained that in addition to traditional professions, it is vital to train qualified personnel focusing on new technologies and responding to rapidly changing industry demands, and that Senai plays an active role in this. In this context, he added that they are trying to increase the capacity of the national industry by working in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry, Development and Commerce, the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), and other institutions. He expressed their belief that vocational training, innovation, and technological development should be addressed as a whole.

Related content completing the context of the news reveals that the Brazilian government has launched investment programs worth hundreds of billions of dollars to revitalize the industrial sector and demonstrates its economic ambition in this direction. Support packages implemented under the government's 'Industrial Brazil' vision show that the country is becoming increasingly attractive to global capital and that a stable upward trend in industrial production has begun. The combination of institutional assistance, such as Senai's technical support, with the state's macroeconomic policies aims to solidify Brazil's place in global supply chains. These efforts are being addressed together with agro-industrial parks created to support regional development and new investments that will create employment. As a result, both the increase in efficiency in the private sector and the correct implementation of public policies stand out as concrete steps taken towards Brazil achieving a more competitive industry.