Technology transfer in production of biodiesel: an alternative to social inclusion and regional development in the State of Parana

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze whether innovations and technology transfer can be seen as an alternative to social inclusion and regional development in the state of Parana. It is a qualitative research, whose instrument of data collection was semi-structured interview. We used content analysis, confronted with the literature. The results show that the Bioenergy Paranaense Program works to strengthen the biodiesel sector in Paraná, but although there was a significant increase in biodiesel production over the period 2005-2010, the participation of the State related to Brazilian production is still small, and yet, there have been innovations in biodiesel, and there is support for rural development in the state. Technology transfer takes place informally, with transfer of agricultural knowledge to farmers, and formally through a department of Technology Transfer. After discussing the results, we conclude that innovation and technology transfer can be seen as an alternative to social inclusion and regional development in Parana state, provided that there is greater mobilization of the organs involved and the government.