Gestão da inovação em empresas do setor coureiro-calçadista

Abstract

The changes in the economic scenario have transformed the mode how companies operate, and with that, innovation has been a strong ally to keep themselves competitive in the market. Thinking about the reality of organizations located in the city of Novo Hamburgo, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which for a long time had its economy turned to the leather footwear sector, this article aimed to identify the specificities, needs and lacks of the innovation management process in companies in that sector. A bibliographic review was carried out and data were collected with direct observations and in-depth interview with nine managers from different organizations. It was pointed out that these organizations are still in the early stages of the innovation management process. However, respondents recognize the potential for differentiation that is implicit in the innovation process, but emphasize that high cost, little experience and lack of innovation culture as the main barriers in adopting innovation practices.