Technology Transfer Capability: development dynamics in higher education institutions

ABSTRACT This paper aims to explain how the development dynamics of technology transfer capability occurs in Brazilian public higher education institutions. This study was guided by the dynamic capabilities perspective and some technology transfer models found in the literature. This research adopts the methodology of qualitative studies, in an interpretative and extended perspective, in two national reference institutions in an in-depth historical context with the purpose of expanding the theory. The results advance the findings in the literature regarding the characteristics of the technology transfer capability, distinguishing it from other capabilities, the influencing factors of its dynamism and a framework that reflects and clarifies the dynamic of its development. In terms of theory, the framework contributes to explain the functioning, the foundations and sustenance of a dynamic capability. From the perspective of practitioners, the framework explains how the intentionality of some human actors, with the influence of some internal and external factors, are paramount to found, sustain or bring change to the technology transfer capability.