What Motivates Brazilian Academic Researchers to Transfer Technology?

Authors

  • Lisiane Closs Escola de Administração - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Address: Rua Washington Luiz, 855- Centro - Porto Alegre – RS – Brasil - ZipCode: 90010-460 - Phone: +55 51 3308 3536 / Fax: + 55 51 3308 3991
  • Gabriela Ferreira Faculdade de Administração, Contabilidade e Economia - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul. Address: Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Partenon - Porto Alegre – RS – Brasil - ZipCode: 90619-900
  • Vinicius Brasil Faculdade de Administração, Contabilidade e Economia - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul. Address: Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Partenon - Porto Alegre – RS – Brasil - ZipCode: 90619-900
  • Claudio Sampaio Faculdade de Administração, Contabilidade e Economia - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul. Address: Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Partenon - Porto Alegre – RS – Brasil - ZipCode: 90619-900
  • Marcelo Perin Faculdade de Administração, Contabilidade e Economia - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul. Address: Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Partenon - Porto Alegre – RS – Brasil - ZipCode: 90619-900

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242013000500008

Keywords:

technology transfer, university-industry, academic scientist, motivation.

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.

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Author Biography

Lisiane Closs, Escola de Administração - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Address: Rua Washington Luiz, 855- Centro - Porto Alegre – RS – Brasil - ZipCode: 90010-460 - Phone: +55 51 3308 3536 / Fax: + 55 51 3308 3991

Professor at UFRGS Business School.

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Published

2013-12-16

How to Cite

Closs, L., Ferreira, G., Brasil, V., Sampaio, C., & Perin, M. (2013). What Motivates Brazilian Academic Researchers to Transfer Technology?. Journal of Technology Management & Innovation, 8(4), 79–90. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242013000500008

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Research Articles

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