Concepções e práticas de inovação nas MPE´s calçadistas de Campina Grande - PB: a questão da competitividade do setor e a relação com o desenvolvimento local

Abstract

The development, in its various forms and manifestations, can be attributed to several factors. This research investigated the innovation as a triggering factor for local development. The objective was to examine how the concepts and practices of innovation in footwear MSEs of Campina Grande - PB influence their levels of competitiveness and are reflected in local development. The theoretical perspective was based on the debate on the relationship between industrialization, innovation and local development, considering the idea that innovation is an current emerging stage of industrialization and that it strengthens the competitiveness and support local development. The empirical object was the field of Micro/Small Companies (MSC) of shoes production of Campina Grande - PB. The methodology was exploratory, descriptive and qualitative/quantitative, using questionnaires with open and closed questions for a intentional non-probabilistic sample of MSC of shoes production of the city. Through research, it was revealed that the way companies conceive innovation guides their internal practices and external, to achieve better results, which reflect on those who are about business and making up the scenery around it, triggering a series of benefits on local actors, strengthening the participation of businesses, enhancing the competitiveness of local arrangement, what should be included on the agenda of development in the city / region. At the same time, we detected a dissatisfaction of MSCs with respect of public support at the state level, especially in terms of fundingfor innovation which, despite manyeffortsrelatedto the legislation, the establishment of public and government programs supporting innovation, there are still limitations that must be detected and resolved, for better utilization of available resources andcapabilities.