Title: Technology development process model for organic photovoltaic cells

Authors: Priscila Gonçalves Vasconcelos Sampaio; Mario Orestes Aguirre González; Mauro Caetano; Mariana Rodrigues de Almeida; Humberto Dionísio de Andrade; Jonathan Paulo Pinheiro Pereira

Addresses: Postgraduate Program in Petroleum Science and Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal/RN, 59078-900, Brazil ' Postgraduate Program in Petroleum Science and Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal/RN, 59078-900, Brazil ' Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA), São José dos Campos/SP, 12228-900, Brazil ' Postgraduate Program in Petroleum Science and Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal/RN, 59078-900, Brazil ' Engineering and Technology Department, Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid (UFERSA), Mossoró/RN, 59625-900, Brazil ' Department of Electronics, Federal Institute of Science Education and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), Mossoró/RN, 59628-330, Brazil

Abstract: Driven by market needs and technological progress, the technology development process (TDP) serves as the foundation of the innovation process. For new solutions in renewable energy generation, such as organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, the TDP can be an effective tool in developing sustainable technologies. Based on a case study with a company from the OPV industry, through the diagnosis and prognosis of its TDP, the activities and key decision points of the innovation process were identified. The results propose a TDP model for OPV cell development, which, by systematising the stages, can support companies in establishing a well-structured, managed process, streamline their innovation efforts, and shorten development time, thereby providing a competitive advantage. The implications of this model are relevant to both the development of sustainable energy solutions and improvements in the innovation processes of many organisations.

Keywords: innovation process; management; new product development; renewable energy; stage-gate; sustainable technologies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2025.149122

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2025 Vol.19 No.5/6, pp.664 - 684

Received: 15 Mar 2024
Accepted: 12 Dec 2024
Published online: 14 Oct 2025 *

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