CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION INCENTIVE INITIATIVES AT THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN PARÁ (UNIFESSPA)

Abstract

The promotion of technological innovation in Brazilian public universities has played a strategic role in strengthening regional science, technology, and innovation ecosystems. In this context, this study aimed to diagnose the technological innovation incentive initiatives developed by the Federal University of South and Southeast Pará (Unifesspa), identifying institutional strengths and training gaps related to Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology Transfer (TT). The research is characterized as applied, with a qualitative and documentary approach, complemented by descriptive quantitative procedures. Institutional documents produced between 2021 and 2024 were analyzed, including planning instruments, regulations, and institutional reports, in addition to a survey conducted with research project coordinators. The results indicate that Unifesspa has an institutional structure focused on promoting innovation, supported by the Office of Research, Graduate Studies and Technological Innovation (PROPIT) and the Technological Innovation Center (NIT), as well as initiatives aimed at fostering research and knowledge protection. However, limitations related to researchers’ knowledge of IP and TT were identified, along with a demand for training actions in these areas. It is concluded that strengthening educational initiatives may contribute to expanding the culture of innovation and enhancing the protection and transfer of knowledge produced by the university.