The Executive Director of tecnoPARQ and professor at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Adriana Ferreira de Faria, has been nominated for the prize Digital Transformation Awards promoted by the Institute of Digital Transformation (ITD), in the Innovative Transformer category. Alongside renowned figures such as Gianna Sagazio and Simone Torrescasana, Adriana was recognized for her outstanding work in the field of innovation, both in academia and in the leadership of important institutions in Brazil and Latin America.

Adriana is a central figure in the development of innovation policies in the country, holding prominent positions such as president of the RMI (Rede Mineira de Inovação), the ANPROTEC (National Association of Promoting Entities of Innovative Enterprises), and the Latin American Division of the IASP (International Association of Science Parks), in addition to being Executive Director of tecnoPARQ/UFV. Her strategic leadership has been essential in strengthening the Brazilian innovation ecosystem, connecting universities, startups, and the business sector.

Voting for the award began on September 23, and the public can participate online.  The finalists will be announced on December 10 during a solemn ceremony. Among the other nominees in the category are Gianna Sagazio, partner at SOSA Brazil – Open Innovation and member of the National Council for Science and Technology (MCTI) and the Advisory Board of FINEP, and Simone Torrescasana, executive business manager of ANPEI.

Adriana was nominated for the award in recognition of her pioneering work in the development of innovation policies in Brazil. She is also widely recognized for her contributions to the academic environment and her collaborations with science parks. At UFV, Adriana leads the Núcleo de Tecnologias de Gestão (NTG), a research and technological extension group that has played a fundamental role in various initiatives.

One of these initiatives, under Adriana’s leadership, is the InovaData-BR platform, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications (MCTIC), which maps science parks and their data to optimize resource allocation and partnership formation.

Key Characteristics

Adriana stands out for: –

• Strategic Vision: Unique ability to identify innovation opportunities and lead digital transformations across industries.
•  Inspiring Leadership: Leads with passion, inspiring teams and communities to embrace innovative practices.
• Commitment to Innovation: Dedication to developing policies that enhance the competitiveness of companies. – Connector of People: Facilitates connections between professionals and institutions, strengthening the innovation ecosystem.

Major Achievements

Adriana leads important initiatives, such as:

• CenTev/UFV: Leading the Viçosa Technology Park (tecnoPARQ), the Business Incubator, the Junior Enterprise Center, and the Núcleo de Desenvolvimento Social (NUDESE).
• Rede Mineira de Inovação (RMI): As President, Adriana has promoted collaboration between various entities, strengthening innovation in Minas Gerais. –
• Anprotec: Current president of the National Association of Promoting Entities of Innovative Enterprises (Anprotec). –
• IASP: Elected President of the Latin American Division of the IASP, Adriana is a central figure in promoting innovation in the region.

Academic Experience and Contributions

With a solid academic background, Adriana holds a degree in Chemical Engineering, a master’s and doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Uberlândia, and a post-doctorate in Innovation Management from North Carolina State University. As a professor at UFV, she is also the leader of the Management’s Technology Nucleus (NTG), contributing to research in innovation and product development.

Characteristics of an Innovative Transformer

Adriana embodies the qualities of a true transformer, with curiosity, resilience, a passion for technology and people, and a forward-thinking vision. Her ability to quickly adapt and her focus on the customer are central elements of her work, driving real transformation in companies and the development of new technological solutions.
The nomination for the Digital Transformation Awards is a recognition of her invaluable contribution to innovation and digital transformation in Brazil. To support Adriana in this
award, vote via the link: Vote here 

Let’s value those who are transforming the future!
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