From invention to Innovation—challenges and opportunities: a multiple case study of independent inventors in Brazil and Peru

Abstract

The present paper looks into the situation of independent inventors in two South American countries. Little has been published on this topic in Brazil and other emerging economies. Despite the growing efforts of innovation-supporting institutions, public innovation policies have not always benefited inventors as intended. Based on the cases of three inventors (one Ecuadorian and two Brazilian), we identified the difficulties and challenges of elevating inventions to the category of innovation and tried to determine to what extent public policies and innovation-supporting institutions have contributed to this process. Our results show that independent inventors will continue contributing to innovation, most often by perfecting techniques and improving existing products, responding to adversity with determination and resilience and honing their creative skills. For many, acknowledgment is more important than profit. Inventors adhere to a vision, the belief that they can change realities and help others exercise their trades more efficiently, with quality of life.