Universities' entrepreneurship mission in a Dynamic Capability approach: A multicase study in south Brazil

Vivien Mariane Massaneiro Kaniak; Rivanda Meira Teixeira; Adriana Roseli Wunsch Takahashi; Ananda Silva Singh

doi:10.14211/regepe.esbj.e2164

Authors

Vivien Mariane Massaneiro Kaniak vivikaniak@hotmail.com
Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1410-8592
Rivanda Meira Teixeira rivandateixeira@gmail.com
Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3056-6032
Adriana Roseli Wunsch Takahashi adrianarwt@gmail.com
Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4738-5273
Ananda Silva Singh ananda.singh@ufu.br
Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4919-5649

DOI:

10.14211/regepe.esbj.e2164

Keywords:

University Technology Transfer Offices, TTOs, Dynamic capabilities, University entrepreneurial mission

Abstract

Objective of the study: In order to understand how universities in south Brazil have been developing their entrepreneurship mission this study aimed to analyze the role of their Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) by the lens of the dynamic capability theory, considering sensing, seizing and transforming practices. Methodology/approach: qualitative approach, and a multiple case study strategy, 31 semi-structured interviews were carried out with different actors linked to university TTOs as well as documentary research. Main results: The results reveal that sensing, seizing, and transforming practices have been adopted by the university TTOs and are supporting them to face the new scenario in higher education represented by entrepreneurial and innovational demands. Theoretical contributions: They consist on a debate on how universities in Brazil are strategically managing their practices in order to adapt to a new era in higher education throughout the development of dynamic capabilities. Relevance/originality: This research provides an in‐depth process analysis including the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities to the development and the advance of the third mission of the universities, contributing to the study’s originality. Management contributions: The managemental contribution of this study is to offer a view of new modes and practices for other universities that are seeking to operate in an entrepreneurial dimension.

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Author Biographies

Vivien Mariane Massaneiro Kaniak, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil

holds PhD in Administration from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Master in Management from the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR), Specialist in People Management, Graduated in Psychology from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) and in Administration from Faculdade Estacio de Sa. Has teaching experience in the areas of people management and work psychology.

Rivanda Meira Teixeira, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil

holds a master’s degree in business administration from COPPEAD/UFRJ (1979) and a degree of Doctor of Philosophy in management studies from Cranfield University, England (1996). Performed postdoctoral research on tourism management in conjunction with Bournemouth University in England (2000). Later in 2001 was involved in a research project on tourism small business and entrepreneurship in collaboration with prof Alison Morrison at Strathclyde University, in Scotland. In 2007 spent a sabbatical year at HEC, Montreal, Canada, working on a research project on entrepreneurship process under the guidance of prof. Louis Filion. In 2015 carried out postdoctoral research on entrepreneurship at FGV-SP, in collaboration with prof. Tales Andreassi. Worked as a full professor at Federal University of Sergipe (UFS) for about 32 years. At UFS participated as a researcher, lecturer and supervisor at the master program in development and the environment (PRODEMA) and as well at the professional master program in economics (NUPEC). At UFS leaded the team for creation of the business administration master program (PROPADM). After this master started in 2011 was the program coordinator for 3 years. Worked as full professor at Federal Paraná University for about 10 years and participated at the management master and doctorate programs (PPGADM). Performed at CNPq as productivity scholar from 1998 to 2022. Her main research interests include Sustainable Entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Entrepreneurial Learning, Entrepreneurial Social Networks; Entrepreneurship in Tourism and Management of Small Tourism Businesses; Management Qualitative Research.

Adriana Roseli Wunsch Takahashi, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil

is full professor of administration at the Federal University of Paraná/PR. She works in the Doctorate and Masters courses in Business Administration. Coordinates the research group Strategy, Dynamics and Behavior in Organizations - Processes and Practices, registered with CNPQ. She holds a Masters in Business Administration from the Federal University of Paraná/UFPR and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of São Paulo/USP, with a sandwich doctorate from Lancaster University (UK). Performed Post-Doctoral Internship at Fundação Getúlio Vargas/SP. She was a visiting professor at Mendel University (CZ), research professor at FEA/USP and carried out a research project at the Manchester Business School (UK) with funding from the British Academy. Her main research interests are: Dynamic Capabilities, Strategic Competences, Organizational Learning and Qualitative Research.

Ananda Silva Singh, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG, Brazil

is a professor at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU) - Campus Santa Mônica. She has a Doctorate degree and a Masters degree in Business Administration and graduated in Production Engineering and in Business Administration. Her main reserach interests are: Teaching and Research in Administration, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability.

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