Interação universidade-empresa: o caso da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Abstract

The university-industry interaction increasingly becomes a major mechanism to change knowledge into innovation. This study evaluate whether this interaction contributes to development of companies and research groups in Federal University of Santa Maria context. Was considered the academic and business perspective. The academic side was carried out among research groups that maintains interaction with productive sector among their activities. On the business side were investigated companies that maintain collaboration with the university. The study used a qualitative and exploratory approach. We interviewed directors of four companies and four directors of leading research groups, representing three companies and three research groups. The evaluation of interactions used four dimensions: profile, process, structural factors and outcomes. These dimensions were used for both academic and business side. The results showed that the main contribution of business side was related to innovation in products and processes. Regarding competitiveness, the cooperation influence was less observable and indirect. Regarding sustainability, academic contribution was virtually nonexistent. From university side, interaction showed benefits in all parts of fundamental academic mission - teaching, research and extension - plus benefits in infrastructure. However, from the standpoint of innovation only one of research groups showed technological results. In general it was found that interaction of university researchers with productive sector contributes to development of university and business.