O uso da propriedade intelectual no empreendedorismo inovador: uma análise do programa Centelha – MA

Abstract

This dissertation analyzed the use of Intellectual Property (IP) by micro and small enterprises participating in the two editions of the Centelha Program in Maranhão, aiming to understand the protection initiatives adopted by entrepreneurs. The research, qualitative in nature, descriptive and explanatory in character, adopted the case study as its methodological strategy, based on the analysis of institutional documents from Inova Maranhão and the mapping of records at the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The results indicated that, despite institutional advances between the editions, the strategic use of IP remained limited. Gaps in technical-legal knowledge prevailed, with a low number of registrations and cases of rejections due to formal errors, revealing the absence of structured monitoring and incentives for the formalization of developed assets. The main obstacles identified were the lack of specialized support, high costs, the early stage of the ventures, and limited awareness of protection mechanisms. As a technical-technological product, a didactic material was developed in the form of a learning path, integrated into the Inova Maranhão online platform, aimed at the practical training of entrepreneurs. It was concluded that formal protection should be incorporated from the early stages of innovative businesses and that its effective appropriation requires integrated public policies, qualified institutional support, and continuous training initiatives. The study also recommended revising funding calls and establishing mechanisms for mapping and monitoring, in order to strengthen the culture of innovation and the institutional role of FAPEMA and Inova Maranhão.