BRIDGING ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY: THE ROLE OF GENDER AMONG RESEARCH GROUP LEADERS IN BRAZIL

Although there is substantial research on University-Industry Collaboration (UIC), some aspects of this partnership remain underexplored or even absent, such as the gender factor and its relationship with the UIC process. In this context, the aim of this study is to analyze the perceptions of leaders of Research Groups at a federal university in Brazil regarding the influence of gender factors in University-Industry Collaborations (UIC). This article adopts a qualitative approach and a case study design. The sample consists of 14 leaders of Research Groups at a Brazilian university who engage in UIC activities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis technique. The findings reveal three main contributions. First, there is recognition of the moderate influence of gender on UIC. Second, the results of UIC are indicated to be not directly related to the gender of the leader or their subordinates, but rather to their abilities. Finally, the study highlights the diversity is considered a positive factor for UIC, capable of enhancing outcomes