Propensity for innovation in textile manufacturing companies at the city of Gaspar/SC, national capital of children's fashion

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the propensity for innovation in textile manufacturing companies in the municipality of Gaspar/SC. Methodology: characterized as descriptive, the research uses a quantitative approach. An electronic questionnaire was administered; answered by 35 textile companies based on a Local Productive Arrangement (LPA). Results: the results highlight, amid the implemented innovation typologies, there is a domain of process innovation. Among the main factors that motivate innovation is the adoption of more efficient production methods. The predominant problems/challenges are the lack of qualified labor and the high costs of innovation as well. Theoretical/methodological contributions: to offer a systematic vision about the theme of innovation applied to a productive arrangement of national relevance. Relevance/Originality: Assembled data as well as discussion on innovation in textile manufacturing companies for children's clothing in a specific Brazilian productive arrangement were not previously done. Social/management contributions: The research provides managers of textile companies with connectivity information allowing them to conclude that their efforts in the innovation process generate incremental innovations only, derived from external knowledge provided by suppliers, which generates dependence to innovate.