Innovative Micro and Small Companies: research on innovation factors and management practices

• Grant number: 17/01971-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2018
• End date: October 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Administration - Business Administration
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Carlos Di Serio
• Grantee: Luiz Carlos Di Serio
• Host Institution: Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo (EAESP). Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Alexandre de Vicente Bittar ; Cintia Neves Godoi ; Luis Antonio Vilalta ; Peter Bent Hansen ; Raulison Alves Resende

Abstract

An innovative organization is permeated by a permanent and continuous process of producing innovations of any nature or spectrum. Any nature means that all types of innovation are studied: technological (product and process) and organizational (management and business models). Any spectrum presupposes that innovative capacity is manifested across the entire spectrum of innovations, from incremental to radical. Within the medium and large organizations, the theory is well founded, with models developed and tested that serve as a diagnostic tool for companies. However, in micro and small companies, there is no developed model that combines all the dimensions and factors of this specific segment. Using as a starting point a model tested in medium and large companies, the diagnostic model of the innovative organization developed by the EAESP-FGV Innovation Forum, it will be conducted an exploratory approach with the application of qualitative research in micro and small companies (MSCs) located in the States of São Paulo, Goiás and Rio Grande do Sul. Through a multiple case study, we intend to evaluate if this diagnostic model is suitable for micro and small companies, proposing modifications or even a new specific framework for MSCs, thus contributing for the theory. The research will have the collaboration of researchers from other teaching and research institutions of the States mentioned above, making it possible to expand the exploratory field to other Brazilian States, ensuring greater representation of the national scenario with less impact on the cost of research.The main objective of this research is to identify the innovation factors present in Micro and Small Companies (MSCs) and the innovation management practices observed, allowing to systematize the knowledge related to the development of innovation in micro and small companies in an Micro and Small Innovative Companies Framework. This framework can contribute to the management practice of micro and small enterprises and will provide public authorities with a better understanding and identification of MSCs with innovative potential. A better understanding of the determinants of innovation of Brazilian MSCs will allow MSCs themselves to identify the respective innovation gaps and define the actions necessary to overcome them, and to the public and foment agencies to make decisions and improve the public policies to support Brazilian MSCs. Additionally, the research has as secondary objectives to explore: (a) the barriers and difficulties faced by micro and small companies to innovate; (b) the sources of funding used to leverage innovation; (c) the existence or not of the relationship between the innovative MSC and its participation and engagement in: cooperation networks, local productive arrangements, and productive chains; (d) the existence or not of the relationship between the capacity to innovate, the competitiveness and the export capacity of MSCs. (AU)