Capacidade absortiva e desorptiva: uma análise da transferência de tecnologia de uma Universidade Federal

Abstract

Technology transfer (TT) is an essential practice for the effective application of knowledge generated in public universities in the productive sector, contributing to economic and social development. In Brazil, where public universities are the most responsible for scientific production and innovation, the success of TT depends on factors such as the capacity to absorb external knowledge (absorptive capacity ACAP) and the capacity to share this knowledge with the market (desorptive capacity- DCAP). This master’s degree dissertation aims to analyze the TT process at the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), from the perspective of these two capacities, identifying gaps and proposing improvements to strengthen the process. The research followed a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with managers and those responsible for innovation and TT at UFPel. From these interviews, it was possible to map the activities and barriers involved in TT. The main obstacles identified include the difficulty in communication between the university and the private sector, the lack of clear incentives for researchers to participate in the process of transferring their innovations, and the lack of consistent strategic partnerships with companies. These factors directly impact UFPel's ability to disseminate its innovations to the market, limiting the potential for practical application of the knowledge generated internally. DCAP proved to be one of the greatest challenges faced by UFPel. Although the university has a good ACAP, it lacks efficient mechanisms to promote the exit of this knowledge to the market, such as institutional incentive policies, adequate organizational structures, and a support system that facilitates dialogue with companies and external organizations. Based on this analysis, an intervention was proposed using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which seeks to create practical and applicable solutions to organizational problems. The intervention proposal included the creation of a Mixed Technological Innovation Center (NIT Mixed), responsible for managing innovation within the university and facilitating TT with the market. It also proposed programs to foster social innovation and internal events to disseminate the culture of innovation among professors, researchers, and students. The proposed intervention model seeks to foster a more collaborative and innovation-friendly environment, encouraging integration between UFPel, the private sector, and society. It is expected that, with these actions, the university will be able to overcome existing barriers and consolidate itself as a reference in TT, expanding the impact of its innovations. The strategic use of absorptive and desorptive capacities will allow UFPel to fully explore its potential for creating and disseminating knowledge, contributing to regional and national technological and economic development.