Gerenciamento de resíduos de equipamentos eletroeletrônicos na perspectiva da prospecção patentária

Abstract

It is observed that the speed of technological advancement has led to a quantity and variety of electronic equipment that, associated with the increase in technological acquisition by the population and marketing strategies, are quickly transformed into waste, thus developing high levels of volume and harmfulness. That said, the present study aims to apply the patent prospection technique to develop proposals based on the use of technologies in the management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment in Brazil, in order to mitigate its obstacles and promote innovative management practices. The methodology chosen was the qualitative-quantitative approach, of an exploratory nature, and as an investigation technique, bibliographic and documentary research was used. The literature review enabled the development of a critical and reflective narrative about the composition of the analysis and, for this, articles published in scientific journals, legislation, books, and other sources were used as reference. The prospective study used the search platforms of Orbit Intelligence®, Espacenet and INPI, which allowed a mapping of patents worldwide on existing technologies, which allowed the construction of parameters to reach the objectives outlined. In the analysis of patents, it was observed that the technologies were categorized into process, device, system and/or method that, in general, advocated to assist in the treatment and recovery of materials from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. Thus, the following key points were identified: efficient use of resources, reuse and environmental preservation and monitoring of the life cycle, as well as the premises of the Circular Economy; appreciation of consumer participation in the reverse chain; stimulus on training and skilled labor; and the need to track Electronic Equipment and its waste. The results of the patent analyze helped in the construction of inferences for the elaboration of guidelines based on the actors of the Quintuple Helix (society, university, company, government and environment) and the gains generated to the environment, considering the tools of Industrial Ecology. Thus, the main propositions developed were: to promote environmental education, associated with the performance of public participation; to encourage research and development of technologies, as well as encouraging the opening of new companies; intensify the scope of programs and projects that are adherent to the Circular Economy and management on a large territorial scale; leverage the production and use of tracking technologies for Electrical and Electronic Equipment products; encourage the creation of companies that can provide services of an intellectual (consulting) and technological nature to recyclers/associations and grant economic and fiscal incentives to users and companies. It is hoped that this work can contribute to the development of reverse logistics of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, as it is noticeable that the system, as a whole, lacks proposals for improvements. However, the reflections addressed can be incorporated into society, production chains and others, as the barriers observed in terms of technological, human, financial and environmental resources can be faced and transformed into opportunities through the articulation, synchronism and fluidity of the Quintuple Helix, seeking to achieve continuous improvement and efficiency over its dynamism. Keywords: Circular Economy; Management; Quintuple Helix; Patents; Waste of Electronic Equipment.