Research and development project of innovative food products from an inter-organizational relationship perspective

The objective of this research is to analyse the motivations and barriers to develop an innovative food product from the perspective of the two main participants in a development project. The perceptions of a Brazilian food co-operative and a Technological Centre were analysed throughout a case study. The results indicate the existence of a complex dyadic relationship between them and also that the food innovation network is still in its early stages in south of Brazil. The main motivation for the Technological Centre is to contribute to the national development policy. On the other hand, for the company there is the possibility to obtain partial funding for products development. The company is venturing while bringing to the food market an innovative product. Yet, it is clear that these kinds of inter-organizational collaborative efforts can bring benefits to food networks in general.