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Within the cluster literature, few studies have analyzed the potential dangers of regional economic overspecialization. The lock-in effect is frequently mentioned to describe the decline of a clust...

PurposeInnovation ecosystems can emerge and grow organically, but the process can also be managed through conscious intervention. Therefore, this study observes different motivations and expectations for each group of actors. The lack of alignment between actors could have a negative influence on the development of innovation ecosystems. This study aims to analyze the coordination strategies of the actors throughout the life cycle of innovation ecosystems.Design/methodology/approachThis study develops and proposes a model for coordinating innovation ecosystems based on the theoretical backgrounds of the ecosystem life cycle and ecosystem coordination.FindingsThis study argues that each stage of an innovation ecosystem’s life cycle – inception, launching, growth and maturity – demands different coordination strategies. Initially, networks are simpler and thus the coordination issues are less difficult. However, as the ecosystem evolves and the complexity of the networks increases, a more sophisticated strategy, such as orchestration or choreography, is needed.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a theoretical study that recommends further research to test this model.Practical implicationsThe understanding of coordination and stages of the life cycle of an innovation ecosystem can guide actors in the design of strategies for developing of ecosystems.Social implicationsThe proposed framework could support strategies to engage civil society in actions to develop innovation ecosystems.Originality/valueThis study presents a framework to understand the coordination strategies better, considering the stages of an innovation ecosystem’s life cycle.

Purpose – This paper aims to explore innovation in geographic business networks and to propose a model of innovation capability of cluster. The premise is that innovation is a necessity for firms and relations inter firms is an alternative for it to occur. Among these relationships, clusters stand out, with studies showing that firms in clusters tend to be more innovative. Design/methodology/approach–This, we conducted an exploratory research with two clusters: emerging cluster of Alto do Camaquã, in Brazil and growing cluster of Sisteron, in France.The cases were analyzed from elements previously established in the literature: context, collective strategy, public policy, commercialization, pro-activity, external relations, transmission collaboration, assimilation, transformation and application of knowledge, governance, infrastructure, financial resources and human resources. Findings– We arrived to a model of cluster innovation capability, composed by the strategic management, relationships and learning, technological and marketing development and operational management. Originality/value–The proposed model is a dinamic model as capabilities vary in their intensities according to the development stage of the cluster and its maturity time. Objetivo – O presente artigo tem como objetivo explorar a inovação em redes geográficas de negócios e propor um modelo de capacidade de inovação dos clusters. A premissa é que a inovação é uma necessidade para as empresas e as relações entre elas são uma alternativa para que ela ocorra. Entre essas relações, destacam-se os clusters, com estudos mostrando que as empresas em clusters tendem a ser mais inovadoras. Metodologia – Dessa forma, realizamos uma pesquisa exploratória com dois clusters: cluster emergente do Alto Camaquã, no Brasil, e cluster em crescimento de Sisteron, na França. Os casos foram analisados a partir de elementos previamente estabelecidos na literatura: contexto, estratégia coletiva, políticas públicas, comercialização, proatividade, relações externas, colaboração de transmissão, assimilação, transformação e aplicação de conhecimento, governança, infraestrutura, recursos financeiros e recursos humanos. Resultados – Chegamos a um modelo de capacidade de inovação do cluster, composto pela gestão estratégica, relacionamento e aprendizado, desenvolvimento tecnológico e mercadológico e gestão operacional. Contribuições – O modelo proposto é dinâmico, pois as capacidades variam em intensidade de acordo com o estágio de desenvolvimento do cluster e seu tempo de maturação. Objetivo – O presente artigo tem como objetivo explorar a inovação em redes geográficas de negócios e propor um modelo de capacidade de inovação dos clusters. A premissa é que a inovação é uma necessidade para as empresas e as relações entre elas são uma alternativa para que ela ocorra. Entre essas relações, destacam-se os clusters, com estudos mostrando que as empresas em clusters tendem a ser mais inovadoras. Metodologia – Dessa forma, realizamos uma pesquisa exploratória com dois clusters: cluster emergente do Alto Camaquã, no Brasil, e cluster em crescimento de Sisteron, na França. Os casos foram analisados a partir de elementos previamente estabelecidos na literatura: contexto, estratégia coletiva, políticas públicas, comercialização, proatividade, relações externas, colaboração de transmissão, assimilação, transformação e aplicação de conhecimento, governança, infraestrutura, recursos financeiros e recursos humanos. Resultados – Chegamos a um modelo de capacidade de inovação do cluster, composto pela gestão estratégica, relacionamento e aprendizado, desenvolvimento tecnológico e mercadológico e gestão operacional. Contribuições – O modelo proposto é dinâmico, pois as capacidades variam em intensidade de acordo com o estágio de desenvolvimento do cluster e seu tempo de maturação.

Purpose This paper investigates the roles and activities of the orchestrators of innovation networks constituted within cities. In this sense, the authors expected to contribute for research related to the roles and activities of the orchestrators of innovation networks constituted in the scope of cities given the large number and diversity of complex and multiple dimensions social actors (Castells & Borja, 1996; Reypens, Lievens & Blazevic, 2019). Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an exploratory research with a single case study in depth. The case chosen for the paper is the case of Pacto Alegre. The case selection criterion was the relevance of the Pacto Alegre Case in the construction of an innovation network in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Pacto Alegre network was proposed by the Alliance for Innovation (composed of the three main Universities in the city: UFRGS, PUCRS and UNISINOS) and by the Municipality of Porto Alegre. In addition to these actors, the network counts on financial and development institutions as sponsors, with media partners, with design partners, with an advisory board (composed of five professionals considered references in different themes) and composed by more than 100 companies, associations and institutions from different areas (Pacto Alegre, 2019). Data were collected from 09/20/2020 to 11/30/2020 through in-depth interviews, documentary research and non-participant observation. Findings In this research, the authors highlighted the city as a community that involves and integrates various actors, such as citizens and companies, to collaborative innovation activities. For this, they proposed a framework on innovation networks and network orchestration. In this direction, seven dimensions of the “orchestration of innovation networks” were assumed as a result of the combination of previous studies by Dhanaraj and Parke (2006), Hurmelinna-Laukkanen et al. (2011) and da Silva and Bitencourt (2019). In the sequence, different roles of orchestrators associated with the literature were adopted based on the work by Pikkarainen et al. (2017) and Nielsen and Gausdal (2017). Research limitations/implications The authors’ results advance in relation to other fields by promoting the expansion of the “orchestration of innovation networks” model with the combination of distinct elements from the literature in a coherent whole (agenda setting, mobilization, network stabilization, creation and transfer of knowledge, innovation appropriability, coordination and co-creation) and in the validation of its applicability in the context of the innovation network studied. In addition, when relating different roles of orchestrators to the seven dimensions studied, it was realized that there is no linear and objective relationship between the dimensions and roles of the orchestrator, as in each dimension there may be more than one role being played in the orchestration. Practical implications Therefore, the findings suggest two theoretical contributions. First, the authors identified a role not discussed in the literature, here called the communicator. In the case analysis, the authors observed the communicator role through functions performed by a media partner of the innovation network and by a group of civil society engaged in the city's causes. Second, the authors indicated a new dimension of orchestration related to the management of communication in the innovation network and its externalities such as p. ex. civil and organized society, characteristic of an innovation network set up within a city. Originality/value Although several studies have proposed advances in the understanding of the orchestration of innovation networks (Dhanaraj & Parkhe, 2006; Ritala, Armila & Blomqvist, 2009; Nambisan & Sawhney, 2011; Hurmelinna-Laukkanen et al., 2011), the discussion on the topic is still a black box (Nilsen & Gausdal, 2017). More specifically, the authors identified a gap in the literature about the role and activities of actors in the city level. Few studies connected the regional dimension with the roles and activities of the orchestrators (Hurmelinna-Laukkanen et al., 2011; Pikkarainen et al., 2017), raising several challenges and opportunities to be considered by academics and managers.

espanolLos efectos economicos de las politicas de aislamiento de la pandemia de COVID-19 han llevado a las pequenas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) a buscar alternativas para sobrevivir. En un escenario de crisis, una universidad comprometida desempena un papel importante para abordar, no solo los problemas de salud, sino tambien los problemas sociales y economicos en un contexto regional. En este articulo, se analiza un proyecto universidad-comunidad con la intencion de senalar los elementos necesarios para promover una universidad regional comprometida: la Red de Asesoramiento SOS-PME, originalmente disenado para apoyar a las PYMEs durante la crisis. Una universidad comprometida necesita llevar adelante acciones mas alla de sus misiones tradicionales de educacion e investigacion; debe transferir conocimiento a la sociedad. Como resultado, identificamos cuales son los elementos necesarios para promover la tercera mision de una universidad con compromiso social: equipo comprometido, gestion de proyectos, agilidad, alianzas, multidisciplinariedad, estrategia de comunicacion y apoyo, y reputacion de la institucion. EnglishThe economic effects of isolation policies resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have led small andmedium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to look for alternatives to survive. Within this crisis scenario, an engaged university has an important role to play in a regional context in addressing not only health issues, but also any resultant social and economic problems. An engaged university needs to take actions that go beyond its traditional missions of education and research - it has to deliver knowledge to society. This paper analyzes a university-community project in Brazil to identify the necessary elements that help promote a regionally-engaged university: the SOS-PME Advisory Network project, which was originally designed to assist SMEsduring the crisis. As a result, we identified elements necessary for promoting the university’s third mission - social engagement by way of a university-community project: an engaged team, multidisciplinarity, project management, agility, alliances, a communication strategy, institutional support, and reputation. portuguesEfeitos economicos das politicas de isolamento da pandemia da Covid-19 levaram pequenas e mediasempresas (PMEs) a buscar alternativas para sobreviver. Em cenarios de crise, uma universidade engajada tem um papel importante ao abordar nao apenas questoes de saude, mas tambem problemassociais e economicos em contextos regionais. Neste artigo, um projeto de universidade-comunidade eanalisado com o intuito de apontar os elementos necessarios para promover uma universidade regional engajada: a Rede de Assessoria SOS-PME, originalmente projetada para apoiar PMEs durante a crise. Uma universidade engajada entrega conhecimento para a sociedade, alem de educacao e pesquisa. Como resultado, identificam-se elementos para promover a terceira missao da universidade engajada – engajamento social: equipe engajada, multidisciplinaridade, gerenciamento de projetos, agilidade,aliancas, estrategia de comunicacao, e suporte e reputacao da instituicao.

The innovation process and the generation of sustainable competitive advantage are permanently on the agenda in technology management. According to Teece (2007), one way to achieve a competitive advantage is to develop dynamic capabilities, a process in which the author identifies three moments: i) to perceive and shape opportunities and threats (sensing), ii) to grasp the opportunities (seizing), iii) to increase, to combine, to secure and, when necessary, to reconfigure the tangible and intangible assets. The aim of this paper is to investigate how the strategic internal changes were introduced to influence on developing the innovation capability in order to sustain and expand the competitive advantages of the firm. To do so, a case study was carried out in a firm that work within the furniture sector more than 30 years and took decision to increase its competitive advantage by investing in product design, what created conditions for the development of new capabilities. Interviews were conducted using questions that allowed the respondents to freely express their experiences and perceptions about the changes that have occurred in their sectors as a result of this process and was possible to identify the intensity of reconfigurations in capabilities that resulted from the creation of the Design Center.

Most studies on innovation capability analyze the firm level. Little efforts have been made to understand the interactions that take place in inter-organizational agglomerations and the capabilities that such arrangements retain. This study aims to develop a theoretical framework of cluster innovation capability. The academic production about innovation capability of clusters in the business field from 2005 to 2014 was analyzed and the databases consulted were: EBSCO, SCOPUS, and Web of Knowledge.311 items were cataloged, 144 were available in full text, and among those 18 papers were selected. The cluster innovation capability was structured based on a theoretical framework through qualitative content analysis. Thus, acquisition capability, diffusing capability, and knowledge management capability are the main capabilities that constitute the cluster innovation capability.

O presente artigo tecnológico tem como finalidade propor uma metodologia para gestão da inovação que objetiva atender às necessidades de micro e pequenas empresas de base tecnológica. O desenvolvimento dessa metodologia ocorre no âmbito do programa da Financiadora Nacional do Projetos (FINEP) para a estruturação de Núcleos de Apoio à Gestão da Inovação (Nagis), visando à elaboração de Planos e Projetos de Gestão da Inovação nas empresas brasileiras. Para o desenvolvimento da presente proposta, foi realizada uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa desenvolvida em duas etapas principais. Na primeira fase, desenvolveu-se uma revisão da literatura dos principais elementos para gestão da inovação, especialmente no contexto das micro e pequenas empresas. Na segunda, foram selecionados cinco NAGIs, dentre os 24 aprovados na chamada pública MCTI/FINEP, de acordo com sua trajetória desenvolvida até o momento da pesquisa, em janeiro de 2014. A metodologia proposta – Rota da Inovação – parte da Visão Baseada nos Recursos (VBR), com uma perspectiva processual e lúdica, relacionando o processo de inovação a uma rota de navegação. A lógica das ilhas na Rota da Inovação tem como base as etapas do processo de inovação. O objetivo dessa abordagem foi tornar a metodologia de fácil compreensão e implementação pelas micro e pequenas empresas. The aim of this paper is to propose a methodology for innovation management, which aims to focus on the needs of micro and small technology-based companies. The development of this methodology occurs in the context of the Brazilian National Project Financier (Financiadora de Estudo e Projetos [FINEP]) program for the structuring of Innovation Management Support Centers (Núcleos de Apoio à Gestão da Inovação [NAGI]), focusing on the elaboration of Innovation Management Plans and Projects in Brazilian companies. A qualitative research was developed in two main stages for the development of the present methodology. The first phase developed a literature review of the main elements for innovation management, especially in the context of micro and small enterprises. In the second phase, five NAGIs were selected from the 24 those approved by MCTIC (now MCTIC: Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communication) and FINEP, according to their trajectory up until the time of the research in January 2014. The proposed methodology - Route of Innovation – is based on the Resource Based View (RBV) within a procedural and playful perspective that relates the innovation process to navigating a route. The logic of the islands in the Route of Innovation is based on the stages of the innovation process. The purpose of this approach was to make the methodology easily understood and implemented by micro and small companies.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of intellectual capital on a firm’s absorptive capacity (ACAP), and of ACAP on product innovation. The authors argue that intellectual capital and other sets of intangible assets are mobilized by firms through dynamic capabilities such as ACAP. Product innovation is one of the results of this process. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative study was conducted, including 500 firms of different sizes, industries and technological intensities located in southern Brazil. The validity of constructs and the theoretical model were confirmed by structural equation modeling. Findings The authors found that intellectual capital does influence ACAP, albeit differently on each of ACAP’s dimensions. Acquisition, assimilation and exploitation of knowledge are more decisively influenced by structural capital, followed by human capital. The ability of transformation of knowledge is evenly influenced by structural and human capital, and more moderately so by social capital. The results also showed that ACAP influences product innovation, but each of its dimensions demonstrated a different impact. Practical implications This study helps practitioners to identify the development of a firm’s intangible resources and its influences on product innovation. This characterization can serve as a benchmark for managers or private and public companies to define strategies and policies to stimulate innovation. Originality/value Few studies present a theoretical discussion about the relationship between a firm’s resources and ACAP’s dimensions in broad empirical contexts or in emerging countries.

Purpose: Research about how creative economy grew considerably in last years, mainly by the increase of representation that this sector has in the global economy. It is believed that creative economy's organizations have some characteristics that differentiate them for the traditional areas where creativity is relevant in the innovation process. Thus, this paper aims to analyse the process of innovation in the creative economy organizations. Originality/gap/relevance/implications: Due to still early literature in the Brazilian context, we expect to contribute to it in the business studies field. Key methodological aspects: We conducted an exploratory qualitative research study on four micro enterprises that are part of the creative industries. The theoretical approach was about innovation in creative organizations, so as it was possible to realize an analysis of innovation in the investigated business from three categories identified in the literature: organization, technology options and customers. Summary of key results: It was found that these organizations have some characteristics that differ from traditional sectors of the economy, both in the type of innovation and in the way the innovation process is managed. However, it is questionable whether the flexibility that both aids in the flow of ideas and information would be a reality in larger companies. Key considerations/conclusions: As contributions, this article raised a reflection on creativity and innovation in this segment and also on innovation in creative microenterprises. RESUMO Objetivo: As pesquisas relacionadas à economia criativa vêm aumentando consideravelmente nos últimos anos, principalmente pelo aumento de sua representatividade na economia global. Acredita-se que as organizações da economia criativa possuem características organizacionais diversas dos setores econômicos tradicionais, em que a criatividade é relevante no processo de inovação. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a inovação em organizações da economia criativa. Originalidade/lacuna/relevância/implicações: A literatura brasileira sobre inovação em negócios criativos ainda é incipiente, assim, espera-se contribuir para os estudos de administração. Principais aspectos metodológicos: Pesquisa qualitativa exploratória, abrangendo quatro microempresas do segmento de economia criativa. A abordagem teórica foi sobre inovação em organizações criativas e a análise sobre a inovação nas empresas investigadas foi realizada a partir de três categorias identificadas na literatura: organização, opções tecnológicas e clientes. Síntese dos principais resultados: Foram constatadas algumas características diversas dos segmentos tradicionais da economia, tanto no tipo de inovação quanto na forma como a inovação é gerenciada. Entretanto, é questionável se a flexibilidade que tanto auxilia no fluxo de ideias e informações seria uma realidade em empresas de maior porte. Principais considerações/conclusões: Como contribuições, este artigo levantou uma reflexão sobre criatividade e inovação neste segmento e também sobre a inovação em microempresas criativas. RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigaciones relacionadas con economía creativa se han incrementado considerablemente en los últimos años, fundamentalmente por su mayor representación en la economía global. Se cree que las organizaciones de economía creativa tienen diferentes características organizativas de los sectores tradicionales donde la creatividad es importante en el proceso de innovación. Así, el objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la innovación en organizaciones de economía creativa. Originalidad/laguna/relevancia/implicaciones: La literatura brasileña de innovación en los negocios creativa es incipiente, por lo tanto, se espera contribuir en el ámbito de estudios de administración. Principales aspectos metodológicos: Investigación cualitativa exploratoria mediante un estudio con cuatro microempresas que son parte de las industrias creativas. El enfoque teórico utilizado fue de la innovación en las organizaciones creativas y el análisis de la innovación en las empresas investigadas se llevó a cabo a partir de tres categorías identificadas en la literatura: organización, opciones tecnológicas y clientes. Síntesis de los principales resultados: Se encontró que estas organizaciones tienen algunas características que difieren de los sectores tradicionales de la economía, tanto a nivel de innovación, como en la forma en el que el proceso de innovación se gestiona. Obstante, es cuestionable si la flexibilidad que tanto ayuda en la circulación de las ideas y la información sería una realidad en las empresas más grandes. Principales consideraciones/conclusiones: Como contribuciones, este artículo alzó una reflexión sobre la creatividad y la innovación en este segmento y también de la innovación en microempresas creativas.

The goal of this article is to identify internationalization patterns and analyze their effects on company performance. This is a quantitative study with a sample of 343 Brazilian companies that have had export operations for more than three years. Results indicate that companies choose between two distinct paths to internationalization. In the first group are firms that seek to enter the global market proactively. They are present in more countries, have an in-house department of internationalization and a better economic-financial performance. The second group consists of companies that approach internationalization reactively. They outsource part of the process, succeed only in entering markets that are less demanding and do not perform as well as the first group.

Purpose Requalification of neglected areas in urban contexts is considered as one of the main challenges for smart cities. Business clusters stand out as mechanisms of innovation for not only the clustered firms but also the territory in which they are located. However, the cluster emergence process is complex and still unknown. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the orchestration process in the emergence of a cluster of innovation (CoI). Design/methodology/approach This study is a qualitative exploratory research in Porto Alegre, a State capital in Southern Brazil, in the region known as 4th District. Data were collected through documentary research, non-participant observation and face-to-face in-depth interviews. Findings Results indicate the importance of alignment among network members, possible difficulties caused by members’ heterogeneity and the need to disseminate information and interaction for the appropriability of knowledge and innovation in the emergence process of CoI. Coordination of actions and joint agenda as facilitators for the construction of a cluster identity emerge as crucial important. Besides, results also highlight that the entrepreneurial process and the perspective of global strategy are essential to build competitive advantage to the region. Research limitations/implications This paper brings a theoretical and managerial contribution to the application of the concept of orchestration to emergence of a CoI. The framework presents network components, orchestration components and the drivers to emergence of a CoI. Originality/value This study proposes a framework to link the orchestration process to the emergence of a CoI. The proposed framework could help policymakers and other actors to enhance the impact of a cluster on the development of the region.