Gênero no sistema de inovação: uma análise sobre as pesquisas e pesquisadoras dos programas de pós-graduação em inovação da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Abstract

Research on gender in innovation allows for the exploration of processes that perpetuate gender stereotypes and female representation in the field. In this context, the goal is to understand women's contributions, particularly in the development of innovations and technologies, by analyzing research and researchers from the Graduate Programs in Technological Innovation (PPGIT) and the Professional Master’s in Technological Innovation and Intellectual Property (PMPITPI) offered by UFMG, from their inception until 2023. To achieve this, the study employs bibliographic research, descriptive statistical analyses of scientific production by gender, and a critical reflection on the collected data and its relationship with the social context, through quantitative and qualitative analysis of 185 theses and dissertations published in these programs. The study found that the majority of graduates from both programs are female, with women representing 59% of the doctoral graduates. The results revealed a predominance of research classified as Soft Science in UFMG’s innovation programs. However, among Hard Science research, there was unexpectedly higher female participation (64.86%) compared to studies led by men, contrary to part of the literature on the subject. The study also revealed a significant drop in female productivity in the sample in 2020, suggesting that the Covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted women's scientific careers. The research allowed for conjecturing the presence of horizontal segregation, as women were concentrated in traditionally female-dominated areas such as chemistry, biology, pharmacy, and biomedicine, focusing on human care, health, and education. Comparing the proportion of students and faculty in innovation, asymmetries suggesting vertical segregation were identified, highlighting the challenges faced by female researchers in advancing their academic careers. This study offers a valuable contribution to the field by highlighting the role of women in shaping the education of Science and Technology in the country. Including a gender perspective is crucial for transforming the innovation paradigm, promoting scientific and technological knowledge in more inclusive environments conducive to the development of scientific careers, free from gender biases and androcentrism.