A Deep Tech Protocol to Strengthen Technology Transfer in Peruvian Public Universities

Abstract

Public investment in research, development and innovation (R+D+i) in Peruvian public universities has increased significantly in the last decade, particularly through resources from the canon and royalties associated with extractive activities. However, the absence of systematic instruments to assess technological maturity, commercial readiness and effective knowledge transfer has limited the socio-economic impact of these investments. The objective of this study is to design and analyze a Deep Tech protocol aimed at strengthening the technological transfer of university intellectual production financed with public resources at the Jorge Basadre Grohmann National University (UNJBG). The research was developed through an applied design with a predominant qualitative approach and descriptive analysis of data from Likert scales. The methodological strategy included documentary analysis, the development of three structured protocols (application, dissemination and consolidation) and the realization of six focus groups with 36 researchers belonging to the areas of R+D+i defined by the OECD. The results show a favorable assessment of the implementation of the proposed protocol, with average scores above 6 on a seven-point Likert scale. Likewise, the model allows research projects to be classified according to their level of technological maturity (TRL) and commercial readiness (CRL), facilitating the identification of initiatives with technology transfer potential and avoiding the repeated allocation of resources to projects that remain in early stages of scientific development. It is concluded that the Deep Tech protocol constitutes a governance tool capable of strengthening the management of university intellectual production and directing public funding towards projects with greater potential for innovation and technology transfer. The proposed model can be replicated in other public universities that manage research resources from the canon and royalties.