THE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AT EMBRAPA: A REVIEW AND PROPOSALS FOR CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL CHANGES WITH EMPHASIS ON GEOTECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Once again the management of technology transfer at Embrapa is changing. The Technology Transfer Department (DTT) was recently created at Embrapa Headquarters for this purpose. It is an Embrapa’s central division that focuses exclusively on this subject. In addition, a reorganization of this activity at Embrapa’s research centers is expected in the near future. This article is intended to review similar changes made in the past, identify causes and consequences of their success or failure, and, based on experience and common sense, propose actions that could contribute to complement the current organizational changes, and thus help these new arrangements for technology transfer to successfully fulfill their role. First, the frequent changes that occurred during its more than three decades of existence may first indicate the high importance given to technology transfer at Embrapa, although this activity is not considered Embrapa’s main activity; secondly, they may indicate the difficulties faced by Embrapa in making this activity perform its required functionality. This article analyzes some conceptual changes that could contribute to the success of this new endeavor and proposes measures to immediately stimulate the technology transfer process, by adapting technologies, services and products that had already been developed for other purposes, which would change them to a new and useful product intended for a new target audience, including examples in the area of geotechnologies.

Index terms: communication, diffusion, innovation, remote sensing, research.