Technological Innovation Demands in Medium and Large Companies in the Crajubar Region of Ceará: An Analysis in Light of the Demand Readiness Level Scale and the Theory of Absorptive Capacity
Demand Readiness, Demand Readiness Level, Technology Transfer, Absorptive Capacity.
Innovation and technology transfer are strategic elements for business competitiveness, determining productivity, value creation, and the international integration of companies. For technology transfer to be successful, it is essential that offers are aligned with companies' demands. In this context, this dissertation project aims to identify and analyze the main innovation demands of medium- and large-sized companies in the CRAJUBAR region, using the Demand Readiness Level (DRL) scale to assess their level of readiness, characterize their profiles, and analyze the factors that influence their evolution. The research is justified by the need to identify the degree of readiness of these demands in order to guide strategic actions focused on innovation, especially in regions still underexplored in this field. The methodological design adopts a mixed approach. Data collection is structured in two stages: (i) a Systematic Literature Review, which underpins the theoretical framework and understanding of the state of the art, and (ii) in-depth interviews based on a semi-structured script developed using the DRL scale and Absorptive Capacity Theory. The collected data will initially be organized and then classified according to DRL levels. Based on this classification, descriptive statistics will be applied, enabling the description and mapping of the maturity stage of innovation demands in the analyzed companies. Additionally, open-ended responses will be subjected to content analysis to deepen understanding of the barriers, facilitators, and motivations that influence readiness levels. The results are expected to reveal the current stage of maturity of innovation demands in the region, highlighting factors that condition their development. The research aims to contribute both to the academic field by deepening the debate on readiness scales in regional contexts and to practice by offering support to public and private managers in formulating more effective strategies for strengthening the regional innovation system.