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The aim of this study is to analyze the process and importance of knowledge transfer for the generation of innovation in micro and small construction companies in the cities of Toledo, Cascavel, Medianeira and Foz do Iguaçu in Parana, Brazil during the period from 2017 to 2019. To achieve this goal, we contacted 16 construction companies through a business program, ALI (Local Innovation Agents Program), which was performed in the region in partnership with the Brazilian Support Service for Micro and Small Enterprises (SEBRAE). To measure the innovation, we used a tool called the Innovation Radar which separates the innovation process into 13 dimensions. We also used a paired Wilcoxon Test to analyze the effect knowledge transfers had on innovative developments during the period of 2017-2019 for the construction companies. The results show that transfer of knowledge had a positive effect on innovation for all of the 16 construction companies in the 3-year period for at least some of the innovative dimensions. It was also demonstrated that the ALI program of SEBRAE contributed to the fulfilment of the objectives of strengthening the innovation process of the construction companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is the core economy of Latin America, and Germany plays that role for the EU. Bilateral relations between Brazil and Germany are long-standing and comprehensive. For more than 140 years, Brazil and Germany have been connected by active bilateral diplomatic relations. Based on this solid relation and their economic positions, it is interesting to find means of collaboration, especially in long-term strategies as innovation. Based on broadly literature review, this study attempts to identify strength and weaknesses of each National Innovation System through a framework that comprises six different functions and three types of interactions between the actors in the system. They are policy formulation, performing R&D, financing R&D, promotion of human resource development, technology bridging, promotion of technological entrepreneurship; R&D collaboration, technology diffusion, labour mobility. This research contributes to a new perspective that is particularly interested in the differences in these structures in developing countries and countries at the frontier. Besides, the outcome of this study guides insights on how two leading economies, which have historical great relations, could better cooperate in innovation, science and technology field. This study attempts to examine, by means of a SWOT analysis, the Brazilian and German Innovation System in order to suggest improvements on each system and the binational cooperation concerning science, technology and innovation. The first step of the paper is the identification of the strengths and weakness in each National Innovation System based on library resources, articles, reports and other secondary data. In a second step, through interviews with relevant experts, the study tries to clarify the opportunities and threats on the binational cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companies working in the field of information technology are considered knowledge intensive. Knowledge sharing is one of the most important processes in knowledge management and is related, for example, to increased innovation. Hence, the main aim of this research is to investigate whether country and team tenure are moderators in the relationship between knowledge sharing, absorptive capacity and innovation in information technology companies. For this purpose, this research adopted survey method in which data were collected using a questionnaire sent by e-mail with a link to the instrument. The 121 responses were divided into three groups: 43 respondents - Brazilian companies operating in Brazil; 41 respondents - Portuguese companies operating in Brazil; and 37 respondents - Portuguese companies operating in Portugal. The countries were selected because they share the same language, and because one is a member of the BRICS group of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The data were analysed using Descriptive measures, Exploratory Factor Analysis and Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling. This study confirms the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation with partial mediation by absorptive capacity and the role of moderators in this relationship. The country of origin of the company was not confirmed as a moderator in the relationship between knowledge sharing, absorptive capacity and innovation, whether the company is located in its home country or not. However, the two countries analysed here are classified as collectivist. Team tenure was identified as a moderator in the relationship (knowledge sharing, absorptive capacity and innovation), in this case, teams with members with up to 12 months on the same team display greater relational intensity. This may occur because when working together for longer, the group's knowledge may become homogeneous, leading to reduced sharing. The results of this paper will be of use to both corporate managers and scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil, one of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), is becoming one of the most important players in the global economy. Recognized as the leading economic power in the South American region, the country seeks a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Nonetheless, to secure a place in this strategic UN organ and become a prominent player, Brazil needs to strengthen its economy and war power through updated military equipment. The Brazilian Government has put innovation on the political agenda and has been using the practice of offset contracts or agreements as a means to promote innovation and overcome the main insufficiencies of the defence sector. The present paper aims to explore the role of offset contracts in the innovation process in the context of Brazilian Defence Industry. Specifically, it intends to evaluate if the offsets performed between 2009 and 2011, the same time period used in other national surveys, are related to: i) the number of product and process innovation introduced; ii) the degree of autonomy in terms of innovation development; and iii) the degree of novelty of innovations. Our empirical study comprises an electronic survey of the member companies of the Brazilian Defence and Security Industries Association, based on the Oslo Manual. The results show that participation in offset agreements is related to process innovation. We have not found statistical evidence that offset contracts leads to new or significantly new products. The study also indicates that participation in offsets is not associated with the degree of autonomy or the degree of novelty, both in product and process innovation. Nevertheless, the interviews conducted with the Armed Forces experts highlight the importance of participating and benefiting from offset agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]