Journal of Technology Management & Innovation
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Formulação de Políticas de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação em Nível Subnacional: Isomorfismo e Aderência às Realidades Regionais
Get PDFTitle: Formulation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies at Subnational Level: Isomorphism and Attachment to Local Realities
The aim of this work is to discuss the formulation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies at a subnational level. The paper is based upon a discussion about the issues associated with the formulation of subnational STI policies and a comparison of the procedures adopted in the Brazilian states. It is argued that state governments tend to replicate each other when formulating their STI policies, even if this isomorphic behavior hinders the attachment of the proposed policies with the different local realities. The isomorphic behavior is credited to (i) the necessity of justify the propositions at several different levels of validation; (ii) the lower level of autonomy state governments enjoy (when compared to national governments) to implement their propositions; (iii) the higher level of uncertainty associated to the results of STI policies; and (iv) the adjustment of subnational institutions to federal ones as way of increase their possibilities of getting more resources. Some policy implications of this paper are: (i) subnational governments should try to match the largely accepted trends to their local realities when formulation their strategies of intervention; (ii) subnational STI policies should be permanently validated by all the affected stakeholders; and (iii) partnerships between local governments and the federal governments should be reinforced in order to decentralize the application of resources.Title: Formulation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies at Subnational Level: Isomorphism and Attachment to Local Realities
The aim of this work is to discuss the formulation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies at a subnational level. The paper is based upon a discussion about the issues associated with the formulation of subnational STI policies and a comparison of the procedures adopted in the Brazilian states. It is argued that state governments tend to replicate each other when formulating their STI policies, even if this isomorphic behavior hinders the attachment of the proposed policies with the different local realities. The isomorphic behavior is credited to (i) the necessity of justify the propositions at several different levels of validation; (ii) the lower level of autonomy state governments enjoy (when compared to national governments) to implement their propositions; (iii) the higher level of uncertainty associated to the results of STI policies; and (iv) the adjustment of subnational institutions to federal ones as way of increase their possibilities of getting more resources. Some policy implications of this paper are: (i) subnational governments should try to match the largely accepted trends to their local realities when formulation their strategies of intervention; (ii) subnational STI policies should be permanently validated by all the affected stakeholders; and (iii) partnerships between local governments and the federal governments should be reinforced in order to decentralize the application of resources.O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir a formulação de políticas de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (CT&I) em nível subnacional. Do ponto de vista metodológico, o trabalho apóia-se em uma discussão sobre a formulação de políticas estaduais de CT&I, buscando comparar as diretrizes que vêm sendo adotadas nas diferentes unidades da federação. Argumenta-se que as instituições, ao formularem suas estratégias de ação, tendem a convergir para as tendências de larga aceitação, replicando, entre si, proposições similares, ainda que este isomorfismo possa comprometer a aderência das ações propostas às realidades locais. Atribui-se este fenômeno (i) à necessidade de legitimação das proposições nos seus diferentes espaços de validação; (ii) aos menores níveis de autonomia dos governos estaduais em relação ao governo federal para a implementação das ações propostas; (iii) à incerteza quanto aos resultados que podem ser obtidos com a adoção de políticas de CT&I; e (iv) à necessidade de ajustamento das instituições subnacionais às políticas federais como forma de ampliar suas possibilidades de captação de recursos. Finalmente, argumenta-se em favor (i) da formulação de políticas que busquem conciliar as tendências de larga aceitação com as diferentes realidades regionais; (ii) da permanente validação das proposições com segmentos sociais direta ou indiretamente afetados por estas políticas; e (iii) da descentralização de recursos federais, de modo que sua aplicação possa ser feita em parceria com governos subnacionais
News & Announcements
Get PDFJOTMI’s Editorial Team is delighted to announce that one of its members, Mrs Bernardita Araya-Kleinsteuber, has successfully finished her Doctorate in Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge. In her PhD, she investigated the acoustic spectra of polyols and other molecules using a Magnetic Acoustic Resonator Sensor, a state-of-the-art system developed in her Laboratory at the Institute of Biotechnology of the renowned University.
Dr. Araya-Kleinsteuber, has now been appointed Chief Investigator at Paramata, a Nanotechnology Company that spun out of her Laboratory. She is also Regional Director for the United Kingdom of Bionexa (http://www.bionexa.org) , the first user-led online Network of Scientific Collaboration in Latin America. Bionexa provides a virtual space where Businessmen, Scientists and Students interested in biological sciences can share their skills, meet new colleagues and become part of a community that contributes to the development of Spanish-speaking bio-entrepreneurs.
The Editorial Team of the Journal of Technology Management and Innovation and in particular it’s Editor in Chief, whish her the best for her career and look forward to keep working with her at the Journal.JOTMI’s Editorial Team is delighted to announce that one of its members, Mrs Bernardita Araya-Kleinsteuber, has successfully finished her Doctorate in Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge. In her PhD, she investigated the acoustic spectra of polyols and other molecules using a Magnetic Acoustic Resonator Sensor, a state-of-the-art system developed in her Laboratory at the Institute of Biotechnology of the renowned University.
Dr. Araya-Kleinsteuber, has now been appointed Chief Investigator at Paramata, a Nanotechnology Company that spun out of her Laboratory. She is also Regional Director for the United Kingdom of Bionexa (http://www.bionexa.org) , the first user-led online Network of Scientific Collaboration in Latin America. Bionexa provides a virtual space where Businessmen, Scientists and Students interested in biological sciences can share their skills, meet new colleagues and become part of a community that contributes to the development of Spanish-speaking bio-entrepreneurs.
The Editorial Team of the Journal of Technology Management and Innovation and in particular it’s Editor in Chief, whish her the best for her career and look forward to keep working with her at the Journal.JOTMI’s Editorial Team is delighted to announce that one of its members, Mrs Bernardita Araya-Kleinsteuber, has successfully finished her Doctorate in Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge. In her PhD, she investigated the acoustic spectra of polyols and other molecules using a Magnetic Acoustic Resonator Sensor, a state-of-the-art system developed in her Laboratory at the Institute of Biotechnology of the renowned University.
Dr. Araya-Kleinsteuber, has now been appointed Chief Investigator at Paramata, a Nanotechnology Company that spun out of her Laboratory. She is also Regional Director for the United Kingdom of Bionexa (http://www.bionexa.org) , the first user-led online Network of Scientific Collaboration in Latin America. Bionexa provides a virtual space where Businessmen, Scientists and Students interested in biological sciences can share their skills, meet new colleagues and become part of a community that contributes to the development of Spanish-speaking bio-entrepreneurs.
The Editorial Team of the Journal of Technology Management and Innovation and in particular it’s Editor in Chief, whish her the best for her career and look forward to keep working with her at the Journal
Uso de Portal Corporativo na Indústria Automotiva
No full textCorporate Portals are applications which integrate information and company services, making them available in one unique access spot. The automotive industry concentrates a huge quantity of information in several areas, considering the centralization of information before the existence of corporate portals hard to implement, due to lack of a convenient technology. The knowledge management concept aims to ensure that everybody inside the organization has access to the knowledge generated, therefore sharing it. In such context, the objective of this work was to identify the use of corporate portals for knowledge management in the Automotive Industry, more specifically the corporate portal for relationship with customers, identifying its use for knowledge management. Some results show that, increasingly, customers are being given the opportunity to customize their purchases, including everything from the exterior shape to the interior features.Los portales corporativos son aplicaciones que integran la información y los servicios de una compañía, haciéndolas disponibles en un punto único de acceso. La industria automotriz concentra una gran cantidad de información en numerosas áreas, considerando que la centralización de la información antes de la implementación de los portales corporativos era muy difícil de implementar, debido a la carencia de una tecnología conveniente. El concepto de gestión del conocimiento apunta a asegurar que todos dentro de la organización tengan acceso al conocimiento generado, de ésta manera compartiéndolo. En éste contexto, el objetivo de este trabajo es identificar el uso de portales corporativos para la gestión del conocimiento en la industria automotriz, específicamente enfocado a los portales corporativos que permiten la relación con los clientes, identificándolos y empleándolo para la gestión del conocimiento. Algunos resultados muestran que incrementalmente, los consumidores han brindado la oportunidad de ajustar a sus necesidades (customizar) sus compras, incluyendo todo desde la forma exterior hasta las características interiores.Portais Corporativos são aplicações que integram informações e serviços da empresa, disponibilizando-os em um único ponto de acesso. A indústria automotiva concentra uma quantidade enorme de informações em diversas áreas, sendo a centralização dessas informações antes da existência de portais corporativos de difícil implementação, por falta de tecnologia conveniente. O conceito de gestão do conhecimento visa garantir que todos dentro da organização tenham acesso ao conhecimento gerado, compartilhando-o. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar o uso de portais corporativos para a gestão do conhecimento na Indústria automotiva, mais especificamente o portal corporativo para relacionamento com o cliente, identificando seu uso para gestão do conhecimento. Alguns resultados mostram que uma das mudanças causadas pelo uso de portal corporativo na indústria automotiva é seu relacionamento com o scliente. cada vez mais os clientes tem a oportunidade de personalizar suas compras, incluindo ítens externos e internos do carro
La Gestión de la Propiedad Intelectual en Centros de Investigación Mexicanos: El Caso del Instituto Mexicano del Petróleo
Get PDFTitle: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT IN MEXICAN RESEARCH CENTRES: THE CASE OF THE MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF OIL
Protecting research results has been considered critical for R&D management. New competitive conditions have triggered new approaches to IP management, far beyond protection of research results. Nevertheless competitive intelligence, assessment of licensing (in and out) opportunities, valuation of IP and technology transfer management are new components of this concept. In Mexico, important investments have been made to strengthen research infrastructure and capacities but return on these investments is still very little, mainly because of the lack of experience in IP management. This paper presents the results of an investigation of Mexican Petroleum Institute’s experience.La protección de los resultados de investigación es ahora considerada un aspecto estratégico al permitir el retorno de las inversiones en I+D. Inteligencia tecnológica, licenciamiento, valuación y transferencia tecnológica son nuevos elementos de este concepto. En México se han realizado importantes inversiones para fortalecer la infraestructura y capacidades, sin embrago, el retorno de la inversión es muy pequeño debido a la poca experiencia en gestión de la propiedad intelectual. Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación realizada sobre la experiencia del Instituto Mexicano del Petróleo.Title: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT IN MEXICAN RESEARCH CENTRES: THE CASE OF THE MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF OIL
Protecting research results has been considered critical for R&D management. New competitive conditions have triggered new approaches to IP management, far beyond protection of research results. Nevertheless competitive intelligence, assessment of licensing (in and out) opportunities, valuation of IP and technology transfer management are new components of this concept. In Mexico, important investments have been made to strengthen research infrastructure and capacities but return on these investments is still very little, mainly because of the lack of experience in IP management. This paper presents the results of an investigation of Mexican Petroleum Institute’s experience
Managing the Innovators for Exploration and Exploitation
Get PDFI analyze how to manage employees to achieve a balance between exploration and exploitation in large established firms. Previous studies suggest that, although firms need to undertake both exploration and exploitation simultaneously, this is difficult either because of the scarcity of resources or because of the incompatibility of these two processes. Proposed solutions have been ambidexterity, punctuated equilibrium or specialization. I suggest another method: managing employees. Specifically, I argue that using the so-called “innovative” system of human resource management practices, consisting of team-based incentive system, team-based job design, and job rotation, enables the firm to undertake exploration and exploitation simultaneously because it provides the psychological safety for people to explore new knowledge to make novel products and develops employees to have the perspective-taking capability that enables the integration of knowledge cross-functionally for efficiency. Using the so-called “traditional” system of human resource management practices, consisting of individual-based incentive system, individual-based job design, and no job rotation, has limited impact on either exploration or exploitation because it does not create the psychological safety for people to explore new knowledge and does not develop the perspective-taking capability needed for exploitation. Moreover, mixing practices from both systems is better than only using the traditional system in achieving exploration or exploitation, but less effective than only using the innovative system as the mix of practices can create inconsistent expectations on employees.I analyze how to manage employees to achieve a balance between exploration and exploitation in large established firms. Previous studies suggest that, although firms need to undertake both exploration and exploitation simultaneously, this is difficult either because of the scarcity of resources or because of the incompatibility of these two processes. Proposed solutions have been ambidexterity, punctuated equilibrium or specialization. I suggest another method: managing employees. Specifically, I argue that using the so-called “innovative” system of human resource management practices, consisting of team-based incentive system, team-based job design, and job rotation, enables the firm to undertake exploration and exploitation simultaneously because it provides the psychological safety for people to explore new knowledge to make novel products and develops employees to have the perspective-taking capability that enables the integration of knowledge cross-functionally for efficiency. Using the so-called “traditional” system of human resource management practices, consisting of individual-based incentive system, individual-based job design, and no job rotation, has limited impact on either exploration or exploitation because it does not create the psychological safety for people to explore new knowledge and does not develop the perspective-taking capability needed for exploitation. Moreover, mixing practices from both systems is better than only using the traditional system in achieving exploration or exploitation, but less effective than only using the innovative system as the mix of practices can create inconsistent expectations on employees.I analyze how to manage employees to achieve a balance between exploration and exploitation in large established firms. Previous studies suggest that, although firms need to undertake both exploration and exploitation simultaneously, this is difficult either because of the scarcity of resources or because of the incompatibility of these two processes. Proposed solutions have been ambidexterity, punctuated equilibrium or specialization. I suggest another method: managing employees. Specifically, I argue that using the so-called “innovative” system of human resource management practices, consisting of team-based incentive system, team-based job design, and job rotation, enables the firm to undertake exploration and exploitation simultaneously because it provides the psychological safety for people to explore new knowledge to make novel products and develops employees to have the perspective-taking capability that enables the integration of knowledge cross-functionally for efficiency. Using the so-called “traditional” system of human resource management practices, consisting of individual-based incentive system, individual-based job design, and no job rotation, has limited impact on either exploration or exploitation because it does not create the psychological safety for people to explore new knowledge and does not develop the perspective-taking capability needed for exploitation. Moreover, mixing practices from both systems is better than only using the traditional system in achieving exploration or exploitation, but less effective than only using the innovative system as the mix of practices can create inconsistent expectations on employees
La Reforma Ambiental en Chile
Get PDFEn el año 2005 en Chile confluyeron distintos acontecimientos que pusieron de manifiesto las serias falencias en la política ambiental. Al desarrollo de un sin número de conflictos y el empeoramiento de varios indicadores ambientales, se sumó la negativa evaluación ambiental de Chile realizada por la OECD . Sin embargo, no fue hasta la imagen de cisnes de cuello negro muriéndose en hora prime en la televisión, y la incapacidad de las autoridades ambientales de responder a la alarma pública, que finalmente se logró cambiar la percepción de los actores políticos en relación a la institucionalidad ambientalEn el año 2005 en Chile confluyeron distintos acontecimientos que pusieron de manifiesto las serias falencias en la política ambiental. Al desarrollo de un sin número de conflictos y el empeoramiento de varios indicadores ambientales, se sumó la negativa evaluación ambiental de Chile realizada por la OECD . Sin embargo, no fue hasta la imagen de cisnes de cuello negro muriéndose en hora prime en la televisión, y la incapacidad de las autoridades ambientales de responder a la alarma pública, que finalmente se logró cambiar la percepción de los actores políticos en relación a la institucionalidad ambientalEn el año 2005 en Chile confluyeron distintos acontecimientos que pusieron de manifiesto las serias falencias en la política ambiental. Al desarrollo de un sin número de conflictos y el empeoramiento de varios indicadores ambientales, se sumó la negativa evaluación ambiental de Chile realizada por la OECD . Sin embargo, no fue hasta la imagen de cisnes de cuello negro muriéndose en hora prime en la televisión, y la incapacidad de las autoridades ambientales de responder a la alarma pública, que finalmente se logró cambiar la percepción de los actores políticos en relación a la institucionalidad ambienta
Technology Roadmapping for Commercializing Strategic Innovations
Get PDFIn the increasingly globalized world economies, a variety of drivers define the market and regulatory contexts for commercializing the strategic innovations that provide significant competitive advantage in the near-term and long-term future. In this study we examine how technological roadmapping integrates these strategic contextual factors with the organizational capabilities and resources of the firm to commercialize strategic innovations. This is done by first examining four roadmapping case-studies: (1) at Motorola, (2) at Sandia National laboratories, (3) the National and International Roadmaps for Semiconductors, and (3) nanotechnologies. A five stage process is proposed for commercializing strategic innovations. Finally, managerial implications and potential future research are discussed.En las crecientes economías del mundo globalizado, una variedad de factores definen al mercado y el contexto regulatorio para la comercialización de innovaciones estratégicas que proveen ventajas competitivas significantes a corto y largo plazo. En éste estudio se examinan como la generación de mapas tecnológicos integran estos factores contextuales con las capacidades organizacionales y los recursos de la compañía para comercializar las innovaciones estratégicas. El estudio se realizó examinando 4 casos de mapas tecnológicos: (1) Motorota, (2) Laboratorios Nacionales Sandia, (3) Los mapas Internacionales para Semiconductores y (4) Nanotecnologías. Un procedimiento consistente en 5 etapas es propuesto para la comercialización de innovaciones estratégicas. Finalmente se discuten, las implicaciones de gestión y el desarrollo de un futuro tema de investigación.In the increasingly globalized world economies, a variety of drivers define the market and regulatory contexts for commercializing the strategic innovations that provide significant competitive advantage in the near-term and long-term future. In this study we examine how technological roadmapping integrates these strategic contextual factors with the organizational capabilities and resources of the firm to commercialize strategic innovations. This is done by first examining four roadmapping case-studies: (1) at Motorola, (2) at Sandia National laboratories, (3) the National and International Roadmaps for Semiconductors, and (3) nanotechnologies. A five stage process is proposed for commercializing strategic innovations. Finally, managerial implications and potential future research are discussed
The Electronic Industry in Brazil and China: A Comparative Study and the Analysis of the Public Policies of Stimulaton the Technological Capacity of the Sector
Get PDFTitle: The Electronic Industry in Brazil And China: A Comparative Study And the Analysis of the Public Policies of Stimulation the Technological Capacity of the Sector.
The world-wide economy has passed for reorganization processes. It having evidenced a set of emergent countries that will be able to become the main productive forces of next the 50 years. These countries constitute the BRIC - Brazil, Russia, India and China. The objective of the article is to compare the development of the electronic industry in Brazil and China, both integrant countries of the BRIC, and to bring elements for the reflection on the public politics of stimulation technological capacity of the sector. This study evidence that the intervention of the government, in form of technology policy, plays an important role in stimulate the national technological capacity of the sector.Title: The Electronic Industry in Brazil And China: A Comparative Study And the Analysis of the Public Policies of Stimulation the Technological Capacity of the Sector.
The world-wide economy has passed for reorganization processes. It having evidenced a set of emergent countries that will be able to become the main productive forces of next the 50 years. These countries constitute the BRIC - Brazil, Russia, India and China. The objective of the article is to compare the development of the electronic industry in Brazil and China, both integrant countries of the BRIC, and to bring elements for the reflection on the public politics of stimulation technological capacity of the sector. This study evidence that the intervention of the government, in form of technology policy, plays an important role in stimulate the national technological capacity of the sector.A economia mundial tem passado por processos de reestruturação, evidenciando um conjunto de países emergentes que poderão se tornar as principais forças produtivas dos próximos 50 anos. Esses países constituem o BRIC - Brasil, Rússia, Índia e China. O objetivo do artigo é comparar o desenvolvimento da indústria eletrônica no Brasil e na China, ambos países integrantes do BRIC, e trazer elementos para a reflexão sobre as políticas públicas de estímulo capacidade tecnológica do setor. Nesse estudo exploratório, evidencia-se a importância da intervenção do governo através de programas e políticas tecnológicas de incentivo a capacidade tecnológica nacional do setor
Ciência & Tecnologia, Desenvolvimento e Poder Local: Elementos para Análise do Contexto Brasileiro
No full textThis paper discusses the theoretical aspects of the relationship between scientific and technological production of universities and local development. The central argument is that this relationship is potentialized when produced knowledge permits the occupation of a position in the scientific field and is linked to specific forms of local insertion. In the context of globalization, which keeps the center-periphery structure of the world economic system practically intact, articulation is proposed between global and local dimensions of the environment. The recovery of theoretical-empirical categories formulated by Economic Commission for Latin-America and the Caribbean helps to place the discussion in a political sphere, and to characterize local development as an expression of social change on territorially demarcated scales.El siguiente artículo discute los aspectos teóricos de la relación entre la producción científica y tecnológica de las universidades y su desarrollo local. El argumento central es que esta relación es potenciada cuando el conocimiento producido permite la ocupación de la posición en el campo científico y su vínculo con las formas específicas de inserción local. En el contexto de la globalización, donde se mantiene la estructura centro-periferia de un sistema mundial económico prácticamente intacto, se propone a la articulación entre las dimensiones de los ambientes global y local. La recuperación de las categorías teórica-empírica formuladas por la Comisión Económica para Latinoamérica y Caribe ayuda a poner en el plano político ésta discusión, y de caracterizar el desarrollo local como una expresión del cambio social en las escalas demarcadas territorialmente.This paper discusses the theoretical aspects of the relationship between scientific and technological production of universities and local development. The central argument is that this relationship is potentialized when produced knowledge permits the occupation of a position in the scientific field and is linked to specific forms of local insertion. In the context of globalization, which keeps the center-periphery structure of the world economic system practically intact, articulation is proposed between global and local dimensions of the environment. The recovery of theoretical-empirical categories formulated by Economic Commission for Latin-America and the Caribbean helps to place the discussion in a political sphere, and to characterize local development as an expression of social change on territorially demarcated scales
A System of Integrated Indicators for Socio-Environmental Assessment and Eco-Certification in Agriculture – Ambitec-Agro
Get PDFThe Brazilian Agricultural Research Agency (Embrapa) has proposed a “System for Environmental Impact Assessment of Agricultural Technology Innovations” (Ambitec-Agro) for the appraisal of research projects and technology innovations in the institutional context of R&D. A derived system, directed at eco-certification of rural activities (Eco-cert.Rural), has been proposed in order to extend the environmental assessment practice to rural activities. The Ambitec-Agro System comprises a set of weighing matrices organized for the integrated assessment of socio-environmental indicators, including modules focused on the environmental impact assessment of Agricultural, Livestock production, and Agro-industrial activities and a specific module for Social Impact Assessment. The calculated impact indices facilitate socio-environmentally sound decision making and allow the delineation of ad hoc recommendations for performance improvements, as well as selection of best cases for benchmarking purposes. The paper presents the Ambitec-Agro System and its applications as a project appraisal and technology management methodology.La Agencia Brasilera de Investigación Agrícola (Embrapa) ha propuesto un “Sistema para el Manejo del Impacto Ambiental de las Innovaciones Tecnológicas en la Agricultura” (Ambitec-Agro) para la valoración de los proyectos de investigación y las innovaciones tecnológicas en el contexto institucional de I+D. Un sistema derivado directamente de la eco-certificación de las actividades rurales (Eco-cert Rural), el cual ha sido propuesto con el objetivo de extender la práctica de la gestión ambiental en las actividades rurales. El sistema Ambitec-Agro se consiste en una serie de matrices de medición organizadas para el manejo integrado de indicadores socio-ambientales, incluyendo módulos enfocados en el manejo del impacto ambiental de la producción agrícola, ganadera y las actividades agro-industriales, con un módulo específico para el Manejo del Impacto Social. El índice de impacto calculado facilita la toma de decisiones socio económica y permite la delineación de recomendaciones ad hoc para el desempeño de mejoras, como también mejora los propósitos del benchmarking. Este trabajo presenta el sistema Ambitec-Agro y sus aplicaciones de metodología en la gestión a la valoración de un proyecto tecnológico.The Brazilian Agricultural Research Agency (Embrapa) has proposed a “System for Environmental Impact Assessment of Agricultural Technology Innovations” (Ambitec-Agro) for the appraisal of research projects and technology innovations in the institutional context of R&D. A derived system, directed at eco-certification of rural activities (Eco-cert.Rural), has been proposed in order to extend the environmental assessment practice to rural activities. The Ambitec-Agro System comprises a set of weighing matrices organized for the integrated assessment of socio-environmental indicators, including modules focused on the environmental impact assessment of Agricultural, Livestock production, and Agro-industrial activities and a specific module for Social Impact Assessment. The calculated impact indices facilitate socio-environmentally sound decision making and allow the delineation of ad hoc recommendations for performance improvements, as well as selection of best cases for benchmarking purposes. The paper presents the Ambitec-Agro System and its applications as a project appraisal and technology management methodology