Rua principal e pequenos negócios: uma análise do Sistema Local de Inovação em pequenas cidades

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the relational structure between the Local Innovation System (SLI) of small towns and small businesses on the main street. The research was based on the perspective of Local Innovation System, main street business and innovation for local development. It has a qualitative approach of descriptive exploratory character and used as a strategy, the incorporated case study. The small town of Rondon do Pará is a case unit and the sub-units are the central actors of the SLI and the small businesses on the main street. The results obtained revealed that the central actors of the SLI interact with each other, and of the five actors, only three showed reciprocity in the relationships. In contrast, the small businesses on the main street showed little relationship to each other and also to SLI. The latter, in turn, also has limited interaction with small businesses, especially on the main street. In short, Rondon do Pará does not have a structured SLI, but the context proved conducive to its development. In addition, it concluded that in the context of the analyzed SLI, there are elements of cognitive, organizational, social and institutional proximity/, however their effects are not coordinated by the central actors of the SLI, making the interactions mediated by them have little impact for the little ones Main Street businesses. The contributions of this study involve the mapping of the SLI and the outline of an action plan that aims to revitalize Rua Duque de Caxias, as effective changes that can affect local development. In addition, the study enabled a better understanding of the articulations in the strategic interactions between the central actors of the SLI and the main street entrepreneurs to foster innovation and local competitiveness. Such contributions are comprehensive and capable of being replicated in contexts similar to the one explored, whether nationally or internationally.