INOVAÇÃO ABERTA NA INDÚSTRIA DE PAPEL: UM ESTUDO MULTICASOS

Abstract

This research discusses about Open Innovation concept and measuring, it was suggested by Henry Chesbrough, in paper companies from Brazil south region. It aimed to comprehend how external relations occurs, under open innovation concept, to developing products and process innovations and, propose appropriated measuring to calculate the influence of that practice on the development of innovations. It has used a qualitative approach, thru multiples cases study, with semi-structured interviews, documental analysis and direct observation, it was made a data mapping in three paper companies from Brazil south region. The data analysis was done by content analysis method, thought literature triangulation. The results showed that is common to paper companies studied have structured process to developing new products and inputs, and to creation and recognition of process innovation in the firm, proposed by employees. Although, there is little intensity into Research and Development activities toward to creation of own innovation, these areas are dedicated to absorbing ideas coming from outside the firm. Related to Open Innovation concepts, it was observed that companies do activities from outside to inside, especially with suppliers, developing new inputs and with customers developing new products. Only one of the three companies studied presented a significant relationship with Universities and Researches Centers, and little relationship with other kinds of partners are done by the analysed companies. About the way from inside to outside activities of Open Innovation, it was observed that none of companies does. It results from low internal Research and Development activities, able to produce ideas to be explored externally, when they are not appropriated to internal use. Related to Open Innovation measuring, proposed by Henry Chesbrough, it was checked little adhesion in the studies companies, with some adherence in measuring “time between conception and releasing ideas” and “innovation percentage generated outside the organization”. This must have influence due to measuring concepts have been created in a high technological environment and intellectual property flow, what is not a reality into paper companies studied. In addition, in this research, was proposed a measuring system to evaluate the adoption of Open Innovation practices in paper companies, covering conventional measuring, what can be named as closed innovation measuring, as measuring that have Open Innovation features.