The point of view of firms in Minas Gerais about the contribution of universities and research institutes to R&D activities

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the interactions between firms, universities and research institutes based in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The theoretical standpoint is the innovation system of developing countries. Multivariate cluster analysis is used, more specifically, the Grade of Membership method, to group firms with similar characteristics and evaluate their pattern of interaction with universities and research institutes. The main results show that the highest rates of interaction are found among firms that manufacture chemical products, cellulose, paper and paper products, followed by those engaged in the extraction of metallic and non-metallic minerals.

► The firms with more interactions with universities and research institutes are Brazilian owned. ► The Brazilian government was very important in this process because it launched a program of tax incentives and financing. ► Other firms, mostly foreign owned, also showed some interactions with universities. ► All these firms employ low and medium levels of technology.