Abstract

LUIZA SANTOS, Bruna. University-Enterprise Cooperation: Key Factors For The POLO/UFSC And EMBRACO Relation. Rev. iberoam. cienc. tecnol. soc. [online]. 2016, vol.11, n.32, pp.127-144. ISSN 1850-0013.

With the aim of meeting the market’s demands, knowledge and innovation have acquired an ever-increasing relevance towards the competitiveness of organizations. Within this context, the cooperation between universities and enterprises can be highlighted among the organizational development strategies. Thus, the need to assess the elements that prompt such integration emerges so as to understand the motivations of both stakeholders to protect those relations. In the light of the foregoing, this case study aims at analyzing the key factors in the relation of cooperation between POLO/UFSC (Research Laboratories for Emerging Technologies in Cooling and Thermophysics of the Federal University of Santa Catarina) and EMBRACO, setting the existing theory against the view of the enterprise (represented by its technology director), and the perception of the lab’s coordinating professors. To achieve this goal, a qualitative research was carried out through a series of interviews. Next, the main common points observed were analyzed along with their contribution to the success of the case under study. This investigation also aims at contributing to the enrichment of studies dealing with this theme. Findings reveal that the studied cooperation brought about meaningful results for the institutions involved, mainly on themes related to the development of qualified human resources, to science and technology.

Keywords : University-enterprise cooperation; University management; Technological development.