O Processo de Inovação Tecnológica de Empresas fornecedoras associadas à Rede Petrogas/Se

ABSTRACTTechnological innovation has aroused the interest of managers of micro, small and large companies, because it is a contemporary theme that accelerates sustainable processes in several areas of management, mainly recognized by governments, businesses, universities and research centers as indispensable in contemporary economy. On the other hand, few organizations have structured systems and processes of innovation, since the ideas do not become real products and services, and many innovation actions are isolated and ineffective and are not aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. Through qualitative research, the study describes the innovation process of six suppliers associated with the PETROGAS/SE network, from its leaders’ perspectives. Interviews were analyzed using content analysis, and the results revealed that the management of the innovation process is based on the managers’ tacit knowledge. Companies with quality certification tend to manage their innovation process in a more structured way, and some steps in this process have greater adherence to studied theory