Contracts of technology transfer in the brazilian polymer industry

Abstract

The polymer industry (plastics, rubbers, fibers, adhesives, paints and varnishes) is perhaps the fastest growing segment of the petrochemical industry. This is because polymers are progressively substituting other materials such as glass, wood, paper and metal. In Brazil, the polymer industry emerged in the seventies when three petrochemical complexes were created, and today it represents 1.5% of the GNP, employs around two thousand people and produces almost four million tons of resins. The polymer industry is science-based and needs constant technological innovation to feed its competitiveness. Thus, the capacity to create technology is vital in the process of long-range survival of firms in this industry. However, Brazil develops little of its own technology but instead is still a heavy importer of polymer technology. In Brazil, the process of technology transfer is monitored by the National Institute for Industrial Property (INPI), which registers all the contracts related to technology transfer. INPI classifies these contracts as (1) use of patents; (2) use of trademark; (3) supply of technology; (4) services of technical and scientific assistance; and (5) franchise. For the purpose of this study, a database was created using this corpus of contracts in the polymer area, registered in INPI from 1985 to 1999. This paper discusses the main forms of technology transfer in the polymer industry and attempts to evaluate the degree of technological dependence and relevant implications.