Effectiveness by Design: Overcoming Orientation and Transaction Related Barriers in Research-Industry Linkages

Abstract

Context: dynamic and productive linkages between research organizations (ROs) and industry are actively spurred in advanced nations. Conversely, Latin American countries face significant challenges in fostering research-industry interactions. Solid models of research-industry cooperation are of particular interest to emerging economies such as Brazil. Objective: this article aims at presenting a comprehensive study of the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Research and Innovation — Embrapii, an entity focused on addressing barriers to cooperation between research ROs and companies. Methods: data from 63 projects supported by Embrapii involving three ROs and 44 companies was collected employing four sources of primary data: two web questionnaires, interviews and technical visits. The scope of the study is based on Embrapii’s initial phase carried out during 2012-2016. Results: findings revealed that specificities of the model allow the emergence of conditions for effective research-industry cooperation. Conclusion: The Embrapii’s model contributed to overcoming both orientation-related and transaction-related barriers, resulting in positive outcomes. Expected technological results such as new products, processes, and methodologies, were achieved in the majority of projects.