Social and environmental innovations of Brazilian companies

Abstract

This paper focuses on the social and environmental innovations of Brazilian companies, rather than on merely economic innovations. These innovations are discussed within the context of sustainability. Data were collected via a qualitative and descriptive study from the annual Guia Exame de Sustentabilidade magazine (2014 Edition). The magazine stated that 228 companies responded to the questionnaire. Of these, 61 companies stood out in Brazil for their policies and practices in sustainability and had their results published. The social innovations were geared towards meeting the needs of the surrounding communities. Environmental innovations appeared in greater numbers, connoting a higher stage of attention and interest from Brazilian companies. Environmental innovations were intended to evolve or improve processes and products and to reduce the consumption of resources.