Light and shadow in the Brazilian graduate studies system in health

The author discusses the challenges faced by the Brazilian graduate studies system with an emphasis on the human health sector. He identifies imbalances in the supply side of knowledge, a prime territory for graduate programs, while highlighting that a proper conceptualization of such imbalances is incomplete if it fails to incorporate the demands for scientific and technological knowledge coming from healthcare services, industry, and society. He draws on concepts from technology economics involved in the innovation systems approach. The article highlights the historical and current role of Brazilian Graduate Studies Coordinating Board (Capes), particularly its evaluation system, as an essential device for overcoming the existing challenges in Brazilian graduate studies. The author concludes by suggesting some conceptual adjustments in the agency’s work.