Innovation management in a rubber and thermoplastics company

Abstract

The management of innovation in organizational environments can improve the quality and efficiency of work, enhance the exchange of information, and refine businesses’ ability to learn and use knowledge and technology. In light of this, we carried out this study in order to understand how the process of managing innovation occurs in a rubber and thermoplastics company in the Sinos River Valley region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. To accomplish this, the authors opted for a methodological design that started with a bibliographic and documentary review, followed by empirical data collection through direct observations, documentary surveys, and systematic in-depth interviews in a single-case study. The results of this study demonstrate that, in many ways, the company takes on an innovative stance, seeking innovation in products and processes while always paying attention to the expertise of its staff in order to meet market demands.