Innovation as a Critical Success Factor: an Exploratory Study about the Partnership among University with Pharmaceutical Industry in Brazil

interaction between universities and companies is common in countries considered to be developed and innovative. in brazil, this strategy is not widely used, although some relevant actions have produced good results in the pharmaceutical sector. the brazilian innovation law, which is considered a milestone, created the technology innovation centers (tics) in universities, and is seen by the ministry of health in brazil as having great strategic promise within the area of drugs and medicine. in this regard, this article seeks to present the findings of an exploratory research project investigating the participation of brazilian universities in the formation of strategic partnerships focused on the development of drugs, after the advent of the brazilian innovation law. an exploratory study was used as an instrument of methodological support, backed by a survey whose results allowed the authors to identify some significant reflections structured in the university-pharmaceutical industry-government approach.