Tool for Assessment of the Green Technology Transfer Structure in Brazilian Public Universities

Abstract

Green technologies have assumed an important role in combating global climate change. The process of transferring environmentally sustainable technologies from universities is crucial to mitigate climate change and for promoting sustainable development. This study aims to propose a tool to evaluate the transfer structure of the green technologies that are generated within universities. The tool has the purpose of supporting managers in the dissemination and absorption of these technologies in the market. The research methodology is established as applied and exploratory, with a quantitative approach. To analyze and validate the developed tool, a diagnosis was conducted in the Brazilian scenario. The research identified 255 groups registered in universities that develop research in green areas. To analyze the information collected in the Green Technology Transfer Radar survey, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficients between the dimensions were checked, followed by multivariate statistical techniques and factor analysis. The factor extraction method considered was that of principal components, and factor rotation was performed using the varimax orthogonal method with Kaiser’s criterion. As results were obtained, the evaluation tool contains eleven dimensions (People, Process, Budget, Relationship, Integrated Management, Research, and Development “R&D” in Green Technologies, Intellectual Property, Valuation, Commercialization, Environment, and Society) and seven stages for operationalizing the tool. The results revealed gaps in the transfer process, and universities should develop strategies to reduce the gaps pointed out in the application of the tool. Additionally, joint action with the TTOs and research groups within their institutions is necessary.