Science communication in the national Policy for Science, Technology, and Innovation in Health: analysis of the official speech

Abstract

From the inquiry about the possibilities for social participation and effective population interaction in health research, this article aims to analyze how the communicative dimension is approached in the National Policy for Science, Technology, and Innovation in Health. For that, the official document of this policy underwent a thematic analysis. The communication of science, technology, and innovation for population features mainly at the “scientific and technological advances diffusion” section, designated under different expressions that, although presenting distinct meanings and goals, are stated as synonymous in the document. Overall, the policy considers communication as the upright and unidirectional transfer of content to specific audiences – from a sender to a receiver. Such perspective contrasts with the horizontal and participative perspective of knowledge construction and technological appropriation preconized by studies on public engagement in science and scientific literacy. Considering our political, social, and cultural context, along with the merit of the Policy’s creation process, communication proposals must include an effective public participation in science, technology, and innovation in health, respecting the democratic and participative principles postulated by the National Health System.