Entrepreneurial universities, from research groups to spin-off companies, in a time of COVID-19

Abstract

In this chapter we address the dynamics created by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transfer of technology from universities to society through spin-off firms, based on scientific and technological research and initiatives supporting the connections between research teams and spin-offs. We observed the interactions among these firms with government and universities to reinforce the university's third constitutional mission, especially in view of the COVID-19 demands on products and services. Starting from the changes introduced by innovation support policies and their respective regulations, notable among which are the sectoral funds, the innovation law and the current legal framework for science, technology and innovation, Brazilian universities have become increasingly involved in seeking solutions for national needs in various fields that transform the knowledge generated into products and services, which are then made available to the market.