Cadernos de Prospecção

The Role of ICT’s in the Context of Bioeconomy: UFAL – a case for reflection

Reynaldo Rubem Ferreira Junior — 2025-10-01

The bioeconomy emerges as a response to contemporary challenges, such as decarbonization and energy transition, necessitating a mission-oriented approach to foster innovation and sustainable development. The Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL) stands out as an innovation catalyst in Alagoas' bioeconomy through collaboration among the state, research and innovation institutions (R&I institutions), and the private sector to boost competitiveness. This study aims to analyze the strategic role of R&I institutions, with a focus on UFAL, within the Nova Industria Brasil (NIB) program and the Renascença development initiative for Alagoas. A qualitative approach was adopted through document analysis, identifying synergies between NIB missions and Renascença actions, emphasizing financing, governance, and sustainability needs. The findings reveal UFAL's role in advancing the Biotechnology, Chemical and Plastic, and Renewable Energy sectors, strengthening technological infrastructure. The need for strategic interactions among the state, R&I institutions, and the private sector fosters systemic competitiveness in Alagoas. Future research should focus on governance, financing, and institutional arrangements for innovation in emerging economies.

Smart Cities: technological prospection for smart traffic lights in Brazil and the world

Carla Pontes Cavalcante Gomes — 2025-10-01

Smart traffic lights (TS) represent a promising technology for traffic control, capable of adjusting signals according to real-time traffic flow, with the potential to improve urban mobility. To guide the development of new technologies in the sector and define implementation strategies, it is important to conduct a patent survey, comparing the Brazilian scenario with other countries, as proposed in this study. The methodology involved searching for patents in the INPI and Orbit Intelligence databases. The quantitative analysis revealed China as the leader in patent filings, with 185 registrations, followed by South Korea with 143, and the United States with 69. Ranking 13th, Brazil still has a relatively low number of patent filings for TTS, highlighting the need to increase investment in research and development to advance this technology.

Prospective Study on the Use of Pectins in Cosmetics

Rafael Miranda Carvalho dos Reis — 2025-10-01

A study was carried out to explore the patentability of cosmetic products containing pectins as inputs. The International Patent Classification system was used to define the scope of the search for patent documents. The research was aimed at obtaining information on the application of pectins in cosmetic products and was conducted using the Orbit Intelligence database. In total, 893 patent families were identified within the scope of the study, with China, Japan and the United States being the countries with the most protected patent families. The selected and analyzed patents indicated that in addition to being used as an excipient, gelling agent and emulsifier in formulations, pectins can be useful as bioactive components of cosmetic products, acting on hydrating, protecting and whitening the skin.

Therapeutic Potential of Alginate Biofilms and Copper Nanoparticles for Wound Healing

Felipe Alves Batista — 2025-10-01

Wound healing involves the action of different tissues and substances produced by the body. Investment in new healing devices has improved clinical practice, but there is still a need for advancements and improvements in dressings, given the complexity of wound healing management and the high cost of existing products. Polymeric coatings containing active substances are becoming alternatives for treating skin wounds. Sodium alginate has been used for this purpose due to its following characteristics: ease of forming films, hydrogels, and threads; biocompatibility; and degradability. Alginate can be combined with other polymers or metallic elements to enhance its properties. Nanoparticulate copper is a good option for forming nanocomposites with alginate, as it adds new capabilities to the coating system, such as bactericidal, hemostatic, and inductive effects on the production of biomolecules essential to the tissue regeneration process. The prospecting addresses patents published in recent years focusing on the biological effects of alginate dressings with other polymers and copper nanoparticles, as well as synthesis methods, tests, results and applications of alginate polymer matrices for wound healing.

Black-Entrepreneurship: bibliometric mapping of scientific publications from 1998 to 2024

Jonathan Santos Silva — 2025-10-01

The article addresses black-entrepreneurship in scientific literature, high lighting its role in economic development and over coming social disparities faced by afrodescendant communities. Along these lines, a bibliometric analysis was carried out to analyze international scientific production on the topic from 1998 to 2024. The source of information collection was the Web of Science database. The research results revealed a growing academic interest and the inter disciplina rity of the field, which encompasses are assuch as business, sociology, ethnic studies, and management. Black-entrepreneurshipis understood as a business initiative by people of African descent that aimsat inclusion, empowerment, and economic development, contributing to the deconstruction of stereo types and business equality. Thus, it is concluded that the existing literature emphasizes on going challeng essuch as structural racism and limited access to resources, but recognizes Afroentrepreneurship as innovative force for the development of black communities.

Technological Prospection of the Industrial Use of Amylases Produced by Fungi of the Genre Aspergillus sp.

Ana Clara Santos Silva — 2025-10-01

Fungi exhibit a broad environmental distribution, being considered ubiquitous organisms, with particular emphasis on those classified as anemophilic. The composition of fungal microbiota varies according to regional atmospheric conditions, influencing its diverse industrial applications. Patent-oriented technological prospecting emerges as a strategic tool for identifying innovative technologies and supporting informed decision-making. This study aimed to explore the use of the genus Aspergillus sp. and its enzymes, especially amylases, recognized for their scientific and industrial relevance. To this end, patent databases and scientific journals were consulted from 2010 to 2023, applying specific descriptors and the International Patent Classification. The results indicate significant biotechnological advancements in the application of fungal metabolites across various sectors. Due to their adaptability to different conditions, Aspergillus sp. amylases stand out as sustainable and innovative alternatives. This versatility drives research and broadens industrial applications, establishing these enzymes as fundamental elements to meet sectoral demands, thus contributing to the progress of biotechnology and the promotion of sustainability.

Technological Mapping of Point-of-Care Testing for the Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia

Marcela Maiana Ramos da Silva — 2025-10-01

Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation that codes for the sixth amino acid of the beta chain of hemoglobin, resulting in a mutant variant of hemoglobin (HbS) that has different properties from wild-type hemoglobin (HbA). Rapid diagnostic tests for sickle cell disease that allow rapid detection at the point of care and are easy to use. This study presents a search of the Derwent World Patents Index database for patent documents related to rapid tests and sickle cell disease. The technology review shows that the United States and India are the top patent filing locations and that BioMedomics is the leader and pioneer in the production and global commercialization of a rapid test for sickle cell anemia. Thus, the technology landscape has been slow to evolve in the face of promising growth in the global market, with a focus on innovating rapid tests that are easy to analyse and cost effective.

New Patents of Pharmaceutical Preparations Based on Cannabidiol and/or Tetrahydrocannabinol for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression

Camila Rocha da Cunha — 2025-10-01

Depression and anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Research has been conducted on the medicinal effects of Cannabis sativa, especially its main components cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Technological prospecting has been crucial in identifying opportunities to shape future research strategies. The purpose of this research is to find patents that present new pharmaceutical formulations based on CBD and/or THC, aimed at treating anxiety and depression disorders. Using the Orbit Intelligence® system, 21 patent families were found with in vivo experimental evidence for the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders. For most documents, there is an expectation of protection in at least one territory or country, especially in countries where the medicinal use of Cannabis is already regulated. Most formulations involve a combination of Cannabis with other plants or drugs.

Scientific and Technological Trends of Carapa guianensis, Popularly Known as Andiroba

Carolina Barros da Costa — 2025-10-01

O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar as publicações científicas e tecnológicas relacionadas à Carapa guianensis, conhecida popularmente como andiroba. Para atingir esse objetivo foi realizada uma prospecção científica e tecnológica em bases de dados (Scopus, Espacenet, Orbit Intelligence e INPI) com as palavras-chave “Carapa guianensis” OR “andiroba”. Os dados foram categorizados por ano, domínios tecnológicos e principais países depositantes. As publicações enfatizam a diversidade de usos da andiroba, desde suas propriedades medicinais até suas aplicações industriais. O Brasil, local em que a andiroba é nativa, lidera ambos os campos. A partir da análise dos dados, foi possível observar flutuações nas tendências de interesse por essa planta ao longo dos anos. Dito isso, ressalta-se que a UFPA e a Embrapa estão na vanguarda das pesquisas científicas, enquanto as empresas brasileiras PHB Industrial e a Natura lideram o campo de patentes. Os resultados sugerem um futuro promissor para a andiroba nos campos da medicina, da indústria e da preservação ambiental.

PROFNIT for a More Innovative, Inclusive, and Multilateral Brazil: its national role in intellectual property and technology transfer for innovation

Cristina M. Quintella — 2025-10-01

Brazil faces the challenge of converting its scientiic output into technological and social innovation—a gap that is intensiied by the regional scarcity and concentration of qualiied professionals in Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology Transfer (TT), and
further aggravated by the urgent need for national decentralization of innovation. The Professional Master’s Program in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer for Innovation (PROFNIT) was
created as a public policy to address this gap by training personnel on a national scale. This study evaluates PROFNIT’s impact across Brazil. To this end, a quantitative analysis was conducted, correlating data from PROFNIT’s Focal Points with municipal and
state indicators: GDP per capita, Municipal Human Development Index (HDI), population, number of patents, geographical indications, graduate programs, PhDs, and science and technology transfer oices (TTOs). The results show that the program does not favor any speciic socioeconomic, scientiic, or technological proile. It has expanded into municipalities with lower GDP and varying HDI levels, including inland regions – demonstrating an
inclusive and decentralizing expansion policy. It is concluded that PROFNIT has gone beyond the mere training of human resources in IP and TT to become a national platform fostering an innovation
culture. It acts strategically within the innovation paradigm as an efective driver in reducing regional disparities in Brazil’s innovation landscape, representing the implementation of public policy aligned with the goals of the National Innovation Plan 2030.

Structuring and Management of Technological Innovation Core: a review in light of the Brazilian Innovation Law

Marcelo Alves Oliveira — 2025-10-01

In Brazil, ICTs were responsible for structuring an internal body that managed their innovation policies. This obligation was given by the Innovation Law, which is considered the Regulatory Framework for Innovation in the country. Considering the diversity of responsibilities listed by the NIT, the objective of this research is to understand the configuration and management of activities carried out by NITs, as well as their relationship with companies and other organizations. This study is a systematic literature review over a period of 5 years (2019 to 2023). The results of the review revealed that the articles point out the weaknesses and strengths of the relationship between ICTs and NITs, presenting possible solutions to reduce the difficulties. For renewed and consolidated innovation, it is not enough to have an NIT within ICTs, but it needs to have strategic actions in different fields of activity and be aligned with all agents involved.

Proposal for a Digital Platform to Encourage the Participation of Local Companies in Bids on IFPB Campis: innovation in the public sector

Safira Mabel Bezerra Farias — 2025-10-01

The objective of the article was to analyze the IFPB's electronic auctions, as well as to propose a tool to encourage the participation of local companies in bidding. The methodology adopted a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, divided into four stages: bibliographic/documentary review, data collection, data processing and platform development. Through data collected in the period 2010-2021, the lack of interest of these companies was noticed, verified in the percentage of participation in relation to the total number of companies, on the campuses: Cabedelo (16.9%), João Pessoa (9.54%), Reitoria ( 8.59%), Campina Grande (3.66%), Sousa (2.67%), Cajazeiras (2.27%), Patos (0.48%), Picuí (0.33%), Monteiro (0 .27%), Guarabira (0%), Esperança (0%), Itaporanga (0%), Itabaiana (0%), Princesa Isabel (0%) and Catolé do Rocha (0%). It was observed that on smaller campuses the tendency is for low participation, or none at all. The aim of the platform is that it can be an alternative to encouraging participation in tenders, thus favoring the leverage of small businesses and their impact on regional economic development.

Analytical Study of the Luzerna Technological Incubator, a Success Case Among Innovation Promoting Environments

Illyushin Zaak Saraiva — 2025-10-01

In Brazil, startups are dynamic and adaptable, structuring an endogenous technological core focused on development and economic sustainability based on innovation. This article aims to descriptively analyze the Luzerna Technology Incubator (ITL), an innovation environment that has led the city to the status of the municipality with the highest indicator of startups/inhabitant in Brazil. The quantitative analysis of the data on the incubator's funding by the municipality, the number of incubated companies, total revenue, and the volume of taxes collected showed expressive results, with a strong and positive correlation between the city's spending on the incubator and tax collection in the period 2013/2023. It is concluded that the ITL had considerable economic performance and fertility, and can be a reference model for innovative ventures generator mechanisms supported by the government, especially in municipalities with high socioeconomic performance and headquarters of manufacturing industry clusters.

Patent Showcase: analysis of patent deposits from Public Higher Education Institutions in the State of Pará (2008-2023)

Suzana Oliveira da Silva Bentes — 2025-10-01

The importance of intellectual property in stimulating innovation and scientific-technological development within educational institutions motivated this study, which sought to examine information on patents deposited by Public Higher Education Institutions in the state of Pará, in the INPI research base, referring to the period 2008-2023. The methodology used was a quantitative approach, aiming to offer a descriptive analysis of patent data, using a search strategy such as UFPA Or (Universidade And Federal And Pará). The institutions analyzed were: UFPA, UFRA, Ufopa, Unifesspa, UEPA and IFPA. In total, 281 patent applications and 247 concessions were identified. Given the results, there was a significant increase in the number of patent filings, with emphasis on UFPA. The analysis of these deposits is essential to obtain a current overview of stimulating innovation and scientific-technological development, as a way to boost the economic and social growth of the state and the country.

Analysis of the Management Process of University Products for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Brazilian Multicampus Public Universities

Márcio Akio Nakamura — 2025-10-01

Universities, as sources of knowledge, possess the potential to drive development and innovation. This is achieved through research that aligns with regional needs, following the triple Helix principle. The purpose of this study is to analyze the management process of “university products” that generate knowledge/technology to promote innovation in multi-campus Brazilian universities. Multicampus universities were selected through the e-MEC portal and documents were collected on the management of university products. The findings reveal that most of the universities surveyed have a description of the steps to manage research outcomes until they are transformed into marketable products, although without much detail on the processes. To meet local demands and promote strategic collaborations, it is necessary to deepen the analysis of the resources and potential of each campus of the multi-campus university. This will enable the creation of university products that are both useful and viable for each specific context.

Empowering Women Innovators Through Patent Applications

Maria dos Prazeres Costa Santos — 2025-10-01

The study in question focused on analysing female participation in the patent filing process in the Northeast, with an emphasis on the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS). The overall aim of this research was to investigate the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs and innovators, identifying opportunities for female empowerment through patent filing. The methodology adopted was qualitative, involving a literature review, documentary analysis and complementary research, analysing the period between 2018 and 2022. In addition, a quantitative survey was carried out using the Orbit software patent register. The results show low female participation in patent filing at UFS and in the Northeast region, highlighting the need for initiatives to promote gender equity and female participation in patent filing.

Devices for Rapid HIV Diagnosis: overview of patents and perspectives

Maria Cristina Peres da Silva — 2025-10-01

According to the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, approximately 39 million people were living with HIV in 2022. Rapid diagnostic methods are of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry and governments due to the lower manufacturing cost and high population reach. This article aims to map patents related to rapid HIV diagnosis, identify those that use CRISPR technology and discuss market perspectives. This is a patentometric study, with consultations carried out in June 2024 on the websites Espacenet, Google Patents and the National Institute of Industrial Property. The use of CRISPR technology for diagnosis could allow low-income countries to scale up HIV self-testing. North America leads the HIV self-testing market with a 31.06% share, while China has been establishing partnerships with countries in Africa, which can drive improvements in public health and provide people-centered solutions, increasing universal coverage.

ICTs Brazil Database: a tool for a broader view of the innovation ecosystem

Simone Alves — 2025-10-01

The role of Scientific, Technological and Innovation Institutions (ICTs) in the challenge of scaling up technological projects, especially at more advanced stages of maturity, requires knowledge and strategic analysis of these institutions in supporting Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) and fostering scientific entrepreneurship. This study aims to develop a database with information on ICTs in Brazil, using bibliographical and documentary research. It uses three secondary databases (Abipti, Capda/Suframa and Embrapii) in order to complement and enrich the data from the Formict 2023 survey (base year 2019) of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MCTI). The “Base ICTs Brasil” obtained includes 457 institutions, classified by criteria such as geographical region, legal nature and type of ICT, from which it becomes possible to identify and analyze, individually by ICT, aspects such as participation in networks; expenses and income from Intellectual Property, areas of knowledge of RD&I and applications of the technologies under development.

Analysis of Technology Transfer Contracts in Brazil in 2017, 2018 and 2019

Carlos Tiago Garantizado — 2025-10-01

This study addresses the importance of scientific and technological knowledge from universities and research institutions in generating innovation, highlighting the Innovation Ecosystem. It discusses Brazilian legislation on incentives for innovation and technology transfer. This is research of a bibliographic and documentary nature, using the deductive method, in which the academy-company interaction was analyzed based on the Formict Reports for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, issued by the Secretariat for Technological Development and Innovation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, whose data were collected from Scientific and Technological Institutions – public and private ICTs benefiting from public authorities. A concentration of technology contracts in the Southeast was revealed. The North region, despite investments under the IT Law, had little contractual activity. This discrepancy suggests the need for a deeper analysis of the factors involved, considering the regional structure of Science, Technology and Innovation and the local production base.

The Responsibility Behind Patent Inventorship

Gabriela Defant dos Santos — 2025-10-01

The ownership of a patent is distinct from the status of inventor of the technology and, although they may coincide, the inventor is not always the owner. The naming of inventors is mandatory under Intellectual Property Laws in many countries; and the definition of who holds this status must be based on actual contributions to the conception and realization of the invention. However, the naming of inventors can be influenced by factors other than intellectual contribution, such as economic interests associated with the potential licensing or assignment of the patented technology. A careful and accurate naming of inventors, often overlooked, can reduce risks in litigation processes, avoiding costs and wasted time for the patent owner. This article explores the implications of a careful naming and its importance in the legal and economic context of patents.

Ficha Técnica

2025-10-01

Editorial

Irineu Afonso Frey — 2025-10-01

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) and the Geographical Indication (GI) of Mango Produced in the Sub-Middle Valley São Francisco – Bahia/Pernambuco

Robson Alessandro Lima de Paiva — 2025-10-01

The Geographical Indication (GI) is an intellectual property asset that identifies the origin and quality of regional products, granting them prestige and added value. This study examines the relationship between the GI of mangoes from the Sub-middle São Francisco Valley and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting environmental, economic, and social impacts. Through content analysis and bibliographic research on academic platforms, the study evaluated the characteristics of the GI-protected territory and its alignment with SDGs 8, 12, and 15. Despite benefits such as strengthening the local economy and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, maintaining the GI poses challenges, especially for small producers, due to quality and sustainability requirements. The article underscores the GI's importance for the region's sustainable development, particularly in the cities of Petrolina and Juazeiro.

Artisanal Shrimp Fishing in Parintins, AM: traditional knowledge, socio-environmental relations and the relevance of the Geographical Indication

Jocemilda da Silva Viana — 2025-10-01

This article investigates artisanal shrimp fishing in the riverside communities of Brasília and Catispera, in Parintins (Amazonas, Brazil), with a focus on traditional knowledge, fishing practices, socio-environmental relations, and the role of Geographical Indication (GI). The exploratory and descriptive research was conducted between 2023 and 2024 with 20 women fishers, using interviews and direct observation to examine techniques, seasonality, and local dynamics. The results highlight the central role of women in fishing and in passing down knowledge, as well as the positive impacts of the GI, such as cultural appreciation, increased income, and the strengthening of the local economy — with up to a 50% increase in product value, according to the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). Shrimp fishing is revealed as a practice that goes beyond subsistence, integrating culture, environment, and economy. The GI emerges as a strategic tool for sustainability and for recognizing traditional products, contributing to public policies aimed at supporting riverside communities.