*By Maria Luiza Reis
The technological landscape is a dynamic field, characterized by the participation of diverse agents and constant evolution. Global innovation is built on thousands of patents filed annually, mostly by large companies. However, only a small portion of these inventions will be launched as an economically viable product and become a real innovation [1].
The scientist's performance must be combined with the businessman's view of opportunity so that society can enjoy the best that technology has to offer. Identifying the right time to offer a new product to the market based on scientific research is challenging. In Brazil, this is even more complex [2], due to the lack of a strong commerce culture, in contrast to people who have a mercantile tradition.
On the global stage, strategic partnerships are established, innovative products are launched, and corporations adopt the most advanced technologies to expand their markets, improve quality and reduce costs. This dynamic drives the world economy [3], generating technology companies with market values in the trillions of dollars.
In Brazil, technology stood out especially in the financial services sector, reinforcing and simplifying secure access to online services on both computers and mobile devices. Recently, the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) revealed a survey [4] of the entities that register the most patents in the country. Petrobras leads, followed by a significant number of public universities.
The number of patents held by universities represents an opportunity for Brazil to protect its scientific innovations and foster technological advancement. However, there seems to be a lack of more effective participation by companies in the commercial use of these patents to create new markets inside and outside the country. Collaboration between academia and the business sector is a valuable opportunity [5] for the Brazilian technology industry.
We produce world-class doctoral theses, but many have not yet been converted into products, demonstrating that our innovation ecosystem has gaps. This is a potential market that can significantly boost the country's economy. To maximize this cooperation, we can adopt three main forms of interaction between companies and researchers:
Firstly, the company can order a solution for the gym. This modality is less effective, as only in rare cases, where there is a particular challenge, will the scientist be decisive in deciphering an obstacle in a solution [6].
Second, the scientist can have the idea and the company can develop the product based on that idea. This modality is more promising, as it is more likely that the researcher will have an innovative idea for the company to develop than the other way around [2].
Third, companies can invest in doctoral students who receive grants to carry out research on a certain topic, but without a defined objective. This last modality is a long-term investment; There are no guarantees of success, but it is a way of directing [1] the development of a specialty.
Therefore, cooperation between companies and researchers is crucial for building a more innovative Brazil. This partnership model can leverage the country's technological and economic development, promoting the creation of products that really make a difference in the global market.
*Maria Luiza Reis is an advisor to the Brazilian Association of Software Companies (ABES), mechanical engineer and PhD in Nuclear Engineering. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the positions of the Association.
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
EN 
PT 
