Abstract

With the advent of the Information Society, organizing and selecting knowledge has become essential to stand out and keep up with social trends and the market's innovation processes. The University, in this context, can be an essential actor from its tripod Teaching, Research, and Extension. In this sense, the motivation of this work is to present a Research Observatory, as an option for university extension, that is, an approach to society and the market. This article explains the concept of the Observatory as a space for diffusion and development, lists the essential premises for the reproduction of the model and presents the case study of the creation of the Research Observatory "Digital Older Person - Confronting ICT Illiteracy" in Brazil. As observed, the advantages of creating a Research Observatory range from the possibility of organizing information focused on the improvement and development of a theme to social transformation through information accessible to companies and individuals. The essential points for the enterprise's success are the unity of the multidisciplinary team, the focus for action, and the constant updating of the base using a planned schedule. Finally, the activity also provides an opportunity for the encounter between the University and society, fostering innovation and transforming reality.