Comprando a transferência de tecnologia: uma explicação dos efeitos tecnológicos do projeto F-X2

Abstract

The issue of replacing the fighter aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force involved a decision-making process that spanned nearly two decades. This matter was ultimately settled with the F-X2 Project, which led to the selection of Gripen aircraft and the signing of associated contracts in 2014. In this context, the F-X2 Project managed to balance a variety of interests and position itself as a local solution for various challenges, such as military modernization, defense industry reorganization, and national development. This accomplishment was made possible due to the premise of significant technology transfer. This resulted in a diverse range of meanings attributed to the F-X2, including the anticipation of technological spill-overs that would supposedly benefit the entire Brazilian industry. Building upon these expectations, the central motivation of this thesis is to explain the technological effects of the F-X2 Project for Brazil. To achieve this, the research is delimited to understanding the construction of the F-X2 Project, analyzing the technology transfer process and its implications in terms of technological changes, as well as investigating potential resulting spin-offs. The approach adopted in studying the F-X2 Project is based on an iterative case study strategy, which systematically moves between reviewing theoretical and conceptual references, establishing an analytical framework, and empirical observations. Given the author's professional background, data collection primarily occurs through participant observation, and the analysis unfolds through comparing observations with the conceived analytical framework. This framework draws from references that address technology from a multidisciplinary perspective, focusing on technological phenomena embedded in engineering practices, sociotechnical events related to organizational capabilities, as well as issues concerning technological autonomy and defense-related spin-offs. The conducted analysis allows for describing the technology transfer process and its determinants, especially within the unique development environment of the Gripen. Notably, the influence of confidentiality that restricts transferable technology and its integration into the technological capabilities of companies is highlighted. It is observed that the technology transferred through the F-X2 Project tends to contribute to increased technological capabilities within a broad spectrum of engineering practices within Brazilian companies. However, it's noted that the conditions of transferring different technological elements may lead to dependency on specific Gripen development capabilities. Additionally, it is found that spin-off effects are limited, occurring only in certain technological activities of participating F-X2 companies. In practice, significant spin-offs to other sectors of the economy are not observed. Ultimately, the thesis offers theoretical contributions to the analysis of technological phenomena within the context of complex system development, as well as implications for public policy implementation.