The university laboratory role for technology transfer to firms in Brazil: two case studies in Biotechnology

Abstract

This paper analyzes the university laboratory's role in the university-industry interactions for technology transfer in biotechnology. Despite the importance of laboratory infrastructure for an entrepreneurial university and the development of new technologies, there are few studies focusing on this level of analysis. This study explores this literature gap with data from two leading laboratories in a high-ranked university in Brazil, the Federal University of Minas Gerais. This case study includes the application of two questionnaires to describe laboratory infrastructure and its firm collaboration, five interviews with laboratory leaders and key post-doc fellows, and documentary research. Results show that physical infrastructure, biological samples, and qualified people enabled technology transfer to firms. The channels of interaction between the laboratories and firms were identified. Spin-offs are a channel for technology transfer in the two laboratories, performing a bilateral hybrid function of disseminating university research results and brokering patent licensing to firms. Spin-offs also contribute to the absorptive capacity of other firms and, above all, allow laboratories to disclose results to the community and potential end-users. Findings present a new perspective on spin-off technology transfer in Brazil and in other developing countries.