Innovation, new product development and internet technologies: Study in Brazilian companies

Abstract

This paper focused on the use of internet technologies to support product innovation in Brazilian companies, following a qualitative approach. A scoping review of the literature revealed the main uses of the aforementioned technologies for every stage of innovation. Interviews with companies’ representatives showed that innovative companies use mainly social networks to support innovation activities, but there are reports of investments in co-creation platforms. In the scope of this work, internet technologies are used to some innovation stages. Basic technologies like e-mail, website and search mechanisms can provide basic support information for all innovation stages. The early stages (ideation, design and testing) require more targeted information which may be provided by technologies like ideas competition tools, co-creation platforms, and web mining. Finally, blogs, wikis, discussion forums and social networking sites support the final stages (launch and support) of the product innovation process.