Core competencies assessment in public research university groups: a case study of three laboratories at University of São Paulo Engineering School

Abstract

Strong public research university is emerging as a key asset in today’s knowledge-based society. As knowledge producers, its groups and laboratories contribute with fundamental and applied research to enhance society at large, particularly to increase innovation in the productive sector. However, despite its importance, the relationship between industry and academic research groups is still a challenge, especially in middle-economic countries that have a strong tradition of state controlled economy, such as Brazil. This paper aims at identifying and assessing the portfolio of core competencies of public research university groups. The paper begins by reviewing some of the relevant theoretical basis related to the key concepts of strategy, organizational competencies, innovation and scientific networks. Secondly, it explores three academic groups’s environment and research path at University of Sao Paulo Polytechnic School. The assessment leans heavily on each group’s activity, comparing current conditions to desired ones.