Abstract
This study investigated what motivates Brazilian academic researchers to get involved in University-Industry Technology Transfer (UITT) and deterrents to contributing to this process. The research relied on interviews with experienced academic scientists and managers from four universities in Brazil. Determination, persistence and entrepreneurship, related to motivational types Self-direction and Stimulation, were prominent. Hedonism, Achievement and Power - highlighting a shift in their professional identity - were also observed. Universalism type involved opening career opportunities, awakening and maintaining the interest of students. The major motivational goals were: generate resources, solve problems, professional challenge, personal gains, personal gratification, academic prestige, competition, and solving problems of society. Factors that discouraged researchers were: time required for UITT, lack of incentive, innovation environment, and fear of contravening university rules, among others. Knowledge of motivational profiles of academic scientists favors the development of incentive policies and programs for UITT, helping to attract and retain qualified researchers at Brazilian universities.
Highlights
The current highly competitive global environment intensifies the relevance of knowledge
In order to bridge this theoretical gap, this study aims to investigate what motivates Brazilian academic researchers to get involved in University-Industry technology transfer (UITT), as well as deterrents to contributing to this process
Most subjects first experienced and became interested in UITT abroad, through contact with researchers involved in the process at international universities, where they realized the potential for research results to evolve into developing products
Summary
The current highly competitive global environment intensifies the relevance of knowledge. Against this backdrop, University-Industry (UI) Technology Transfer (TT) is gaining ground as an alternative for companies in encouraging innovation and for universities to obtain additional resources for research (Etzkowitz, 2004). In Brazil, the knowledge generated in universities is a valuable source for the development of new technologies, and recognition of the importance of formal University-Industry technology transfer (UITT) is growing (Garnica and Torkomian, 2009; Dalmarco et al, 2011; Closs and Ferreira, 2012). Several studies highlight the vital contribution of academic inventors throughout the UITT process, from communicating to marketing the invention (Hoye and Pries, 2009; Thursby, Fuller and Thursby, 2009; Garnica and Torkomian, 2009; Closs et al, 2012b). There is little research into their motivations or factors that discourage them from participating in this process (Baldini, 2011; Baldini et al, 2007), especially in Brazil
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