Recife’s growth and innovative business environment is boosting the Northeast economy

The Northeast’s importance to the Brazilian economy and to fostering innovation has grown significantly in recent years, writes Edson Cedraz, who leads Deloitte’s business in the Northeast of Brazil.

Concrete examples of the region’s increasing relevance include the R$2.5 billion investment announced by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation – in partnership with the North and Central-West regions – as well as the launch of a public call with a budget of R$10 billion for the selection of business plans focused on local development, an initiative of the federal government.

Furthermore, in 2024, for the first time, the Northeast ranked as the second-largest region in terms of the number of startups in the country, accounting for almost 24% of the total, according to a report by the Sebrae Startups Observatory.

This scenario has increasingly attracted companies to establish themselves in the region and to proactively collaborate in strengthening production chains, developing technological solutions, and generating skilled jobs.

With an environment conducive to open innovation, the Northeast stands out not only for its concentration of companies and startups but also for its robust ecosystem of universities, research centers, professional training programs, and partnerships with the public sector.

Business-led growth

This trend is also reflected in the strategies adopted by local businesses. In 2024, a survey conducted by Deloitte indicated that organizations in the Northeast are directing resources not only to IT infrastructure but also to the training and ongoing development of professionals in technology fields.

Approximately 44% of companies in the region reported using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in some of their processes, products, or services – particularly in administrative routines, decision-making support, and customer service. Furthermore, 86% of respondents indicated plans to expand the use of AI into new areas, such as advanced data analysis and automation of administrative tasks.

Porto Digital in Recife

This combination of factors has made the Northeast an increasingly strategic and attractive choice for companies seeking to expand their operations. One example is Porto Digital, in Recife. With approximately 17,000 professionals spread across more than 350 companies, it has become one of the largest technology hubs in the country.

According to data from Porto Digital, the activities of companies based there generate around R$3.9 billion per year, contributing to the development of the local economy and consolidating Pernambuco’s capital as a benchmark for innovation in Brazil.

Deloitte’s own hub in Porto Digital

Deloitte is part of this movement and, just one year after opening its technology center in Porto Digital, has already expanded its local operations, growing its workforce by 50% – from around 400 to 600. The increase in staff required an expansion of the unit’s physical space, which now occupies two floors of Moinho Recife. The facility currently houses the company’s second technology center in Brazil and its first in the Northeast.

The main focus of the operation has been the provision of technology services, ranging from system development and maintenance to data management and integration, process automation, and platform integration. Activities include development in various languages, such as SAP, Java, and .NET, as well as manual and automated testing, system configuration, and projects involving data science, visualization, and migration.

Additionally, Deloitte offers a range of specialized administrative services, covering accounting, tax, finance, payroll, and purchasing processes. These solutions are part of Deloitte’s global Business Process Solutions (BPS) offering, which is distinguished by efficient business process management through the strategic use of technology and data analysis.

The buzzing Northeast

The expansion of Deloitte’s operations in Recife reflects a broader movement of companies from different sectors that have found the Northeast to be a thriving environment, driven by the availability of skilled labor, the innovation ecosystem of Porto Digital, and the growing demand for digital services.

The region is turning business opportunities into robust, flexible solutions aligned with market needs, starting in the Northeast and driving the digital transformation of clients throughout Brazil.