Networks of Innovation and the Establishment of a Spatial Data Infrastructure in Brazil

Transitional economies with large geographical areas (such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China) represent both a challenge and an opportunity for the creation of spatial data infrastructures (SDI). Setting up an SDI in transitional economies is critically dependent on the diffusion of geographical information systems technology in public and private institutions. We use Rogers’ diffusion of innovations model to study how GIS technology was introduced in a transitional economy (Brazil). Because GIS technology is non-neutral, we use Actor-Network Theory, to explain the roles and importance of each of the main actors in the Brazilian case. We conclude by discussing the policy choices for making the Brazilian SDI sustainable, including both the open access to data and the use of open software. The Brazilian experience points out that public policies focused on the organization of SDI in transitional economies in midsized and large countries should promote the growth of collaborative networks.