INNOVATION MODEL FOR BRAZILIAN SMALL AND MEDIUM TECHNOLOGY-BASED ENTERPRISES

Abstract

This paper aims to propose an innovation model for Brazilian small and medium technology-based enterprises. The methodological approach used was the qualitative multiple case study. The data collection instrument used was the semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs and analysis occurred for each case and then making a comparison between the cases in search of similarities and differences leading to the formation of valid results. Seven Brazilian companies located in Metropolitan Region of Paraí­ba Valley and North Coast – São Paulo State, Brazil, composed the sample. With the results, it can be said that Brazilian small and medium technology-based enterprises do not innovate alone, but in the context of networking system with university, research centers and several companies. Thereby, technological innovation is an ongoing collaborative process involving the activities of management, coordination, learning and negotiation, research about customer needs, skills acquisition and new product development management. Finally, it was possible to draw up an integrative innovation model that explain how occurs the process of innovation in the companies that composed the sample. The model consists of four main phases that are the generation and dissemination of ideas; the viability of the idea; development, prototyping, production scale and marketing; and learning.