Science and Technology Observatory for ''NOCMAT'' in Brazil: Role and Proposed Framework

The indicators for Science and Technology Innovation (S&T) used for decision-making within the national system of research and innovation related to Non-Conventional Materials and Technologies (NOCMAT), do not concern only the federal political sphere, but also research groups of universities, research institutes and scientific and technical associations. These agents influence is frequently insignificant for decision making when compared to the dominant and centralizing industries which have created their proper indicators for justifying the application of conventional industrialized products. A culture of NOCMAT indicators should be disseminated into the scientific and social communities so that decisions at all levels should be based on relevant, reliable and transparent information, notably at the regional level. The main objective of this paper is to establish the terms of reference of the "NOCMAT Observatory" for Novel Construction Materials & Technologies for Sustainability not yet existing in Brazil, notably defining its role, dynamic organizational framework, "products" and services to be provided.