Analysis of the process of technology transfer in public research institutions

• Published in: Innovation & Management Review 2019-11, Vol.16 (4), p.375-390
• Main Authors: Silva, Sheila Serafim Da, Feldmann, Paulo Roberto, Spers, Renata Giovinazzo, Bambini, Martha Delphino
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural research; brazilian agriculture; Farmers; Food; innovation; Innovations; Knowledge; Productivity; Technology transfer
• ISSN: 2515-8961; 2515-8961
• DOI: 10.1108/INMR-05-2018-0024

Purpose Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation), owned by the Brazilian Government, is one of the most efficient agencies for promoting sustainable tropical agriculture in the world. However, although information is available, farmers do not always put the technologies and knowledge into practice. There is a large difference between the average productivity of farmers and crop or herd potential. Thus, this paper aims to describe and analyze the process of technology transfer of the Embrapa Agrobiology Unit. Design/methodology/approach The study reviewed the classical and diffusionist models of technology transfer (TT) in Brazilian agriculture and the role of the government in innovation. This was based on documentary research and structured interviews with four employees, supported by a structured roadmap composed of four categories for analysis: the role of TT; the organizational structure of the area; the TT strategies; and the ways of delivery, methods and tools of TT. By a qualitative approach, the results were treated through content analysis. Findings The results indicated that the area of TT at Embrapa went through a recent restructuring, which included the interchange and collective construction of knowledge (ICC) in its TT process, to turn entrepreneurship into reality. The company is dedicated to bringing knowledge to the most important people: farmers. This has been done through a participatory TT model, which has involved multiplier agents from the research stage to the transfer stage. Research limitations/implications Some limitations were found, among them, the fact that only internal members of Embrapa were interviewed, limiting the view of the TTICC staff and without knowing the multiplier agents’ opinion and other actors involved in the process. In addition, it is a qualitative research that is subject to the interpretation of the researcher. Practical implications This study contributed to reflections about the TT process and how it can be used by different actors, along with the role of the State in innovation. Social implications In addition to contributing to the development of products, processes and technologies for the economic, social and environmental development of Brazil, Embrapa has been outstanding in generating knowledge for the advancement of science. Its results have had impacts not only nationally but also worldwide. Embrapa has played a key role in Brazilian a