Aurora Zen
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Business School, Faculty Member
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Management School, Graduate Studentadd
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Research Interests: Business, Industrial Organization, Dynamic Capabilities, Competitive advantage, Grasp, and 8 moreBusiness and Management, Sceince Technology Policy and Management of Innovation, Technology and innovation management, Administração de empresas, Furniture Industry, Inovação, Innovation, and Blue Technology Innovation and Management
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of intellectual capital on a firm’s absorptive capacity (ACAP), and of ACAP on product innovation. The authors argue that intellectual capital and other sets of intangible assets... more
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of intellectual capital on a firm’s absorptive capacity (ACAP), and of ACAP on product innovation. The authors argue that intellectual capital and other sets of intangible assets are mobilized by firms through dynamic capabilities such as ACAP. Product innovation is one of the results of this process. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative study was conducted, including 500 firms of different sizes, industries and technological intensities located in southern Brazil. The validity of constructs and the theoretical model were confirmed by structural equation modeling. Findings The authors found that intellectual capital does influence ACAP, albeit differently on each of ACAP’s dimensions. Acquisition, assimilation and exploitation of knowledge are more decisively influenced by structural capital, followed by human capital. The ability of transformation of knowledge is evenly influenced by structural and human capital, and...
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Objective: Entrepreneurs are responsible for innovation, but they do not act in the vacuum, the greater the support for their action, the improve the chances of success. Startups - technology-based companies with high potential for growth... more
Objective: Entrepreneurs are responsible for innovation, but they do not act in the vacuum, the greater the support for their action, the improve the chances of success. Startups - technology-based companies with high potential for growth and impact - are associated with the existence of entrepreneurial ecosystems that facilitate entrepreneurial action. This paper goal is to provide evidence that help to explain why startups fail in an emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem. Method: We perform exploratory research in which entrepreneurs whose startups failed in the emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem of Porto Alegre, Brazil, were interviewed. We complement the analysis with the collection of secondary data. Results: Building on Isenberg’s (2011) six domains, we generate ideas on how each of them in emergent entrepreneurial ecosystem may influence startup mortality. Our results indicate that emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem could be much better in avoiding the premature failure of start...
Purpose This paper investigates the roles and activities of the orchestrators of innovation networks constituted within cities. In this sense, the authors expected to contribute for research related to the roles and activities of the... more
Purpose This paper investigates the roles and activities of the orchestrators of innovation networks constituted within cities. In this sense, the authors expected to contribute for research related to the roles and activities of the orchestrators of innovation networks constituted in the scope of cities given the large number and diversity of complex and multiple dimensions social actors (Castells & Borja, 1996; Reypens, Lievens & Blazevic, 2019). Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an exploratory research with a single case study in depth. The case chosen for the paper is the case of Pacto Alegre. The case selection criterion was the relevance of the Pacto Alegre Case in the construction of an innovation network in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Pacto Alegre network was proposed by the Alliance for Innovation (composed of the three main Universities in the city: UFRGS, PUCRS and UNISINOS) and by the Municipality of Porto Alegre. In addition ...
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Objective of the study: The objective of this theoretical essay is to propose an integrative framework for analyzing value creation and capture in innovation ecosystems.Methodology: This is a theoretical essay based on a narrative review... more
Objective of the study: The objective of this theoretical essay is to propose an integrative framework for analyzing value creation and capture in innovation ecosystems.Methodology: This is a theoretical essay based on a narrative review of the concepts of innovation ecosystems, value creation, and value capture.Originality/Relevance: The article theoretically contributes to the analysis of value creation and capture by comparing and contrasting the platform and territorial approaches in innovation ecosystems.Main results: In analyzing the creation and capture of value in innovation ecosystems, the theoretical similarities and differences between the territorial and platform approaches must be considered. Thus, strategies for creating and capturing value must be designed procedurally, according to each stage of the innovation ecosystem's life cycle. Furthermore, value creation and capture strategies must be aligned, and actors must develop individual and collective mechanisms to...
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This article presents a proposal for the operationalization of the concept of dynamic capabilities. It created a model of analysis based on the literature review. The study was carried out through the analyses of multiple cases, which... more
This article presents a proposal for the operationalization of the concept of dynamic capabilities. It created a model of analysis based on the literature review. The study was carried out through the analyses of multiple cases, which retrieves historical data. Also, it was triggered by a strategic decision focused on innovation. The reconfigurations that were necessary for the ordinary capabilities of the studied companies were observed. Then, their new configuration was shown, considering the movements necessary to implement the strategic plan that led them to innovate. The study contributes to the literature by presenting the operation of dynamic capabilities. Moreover, there is the possibility of applying the expertise about ordinary and dynamic capabilities in the strategic decisions of companies as a managerial contribution.
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The aim of this article is to analyze the internationalization process and its impact in the company’s resources. A case study was developed for this purpose in a winery, the Casa Valduga, located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The main... more
The aim of this article is to analyze the internationalization process and its impact in the company’s resources. A case study was developed for this purpose in a winery, the Casa Valduga, located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The main proposition of this research is that the internationalization process, besides influencing the development of new strategic resources, required for competing in the international market, also influences the company’s domestic strategy. The results of the study confirmed this proposition and indicated that the resources developed for the internationalization strategy positively influenced its competitiveness in the domestic market. The main impact of the internationalization efforts was on the human and organizational resources of the company. This study, besides expanding the still incipient empirical base of the internationalization process of Brazilian firms, contributes to broaden the analytical perspective on internationalization strategy by inclu...
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Originally established to incentivize individual inventors the patent system became broadly used by corporations, and has been increasingly used by universities worldwide. In Brazil, this is not different; especially in recent years when... more
Originally established to incentivize individual inventors the patent system became broadly used by corporations, and has been increasingly used by universities worldwide. In Brazil, this is not different; especially in recent years when public policy has attempted to more directly foster innovation in the country. However, little is known as to the extent that universities in Brazil are able to coordinate patent-related activities and to facilitate knowledge transfer. On the basis of multiple case studies this paper explores how publiclyfunded universities in Brazil are equipping themselves to deal with intellectual property rights (IPR) as well as technology licensing. The studied cases suggest that despite significant amount of patents applications, Brazilian universities present many differences in the management of their intellectual property. In particular, universities’ TTOs seem to play a central role in university productivity when it comes to patenting and knowledge transfer.
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Resumo O presente artigo apresenta uma proposta para operacionalização do conceito de capacidades dinâmicas, criando um modelo de análise a partir da revisão teórica realizada. A pesquisa é feita por meio de estudo de múltiplos casos,... more
Resumo O presente artigo apresenta uma proposta para operacionalização do conceito de capacidades dinâmicas, criando um modelo de análise a partir da revisão teórica realizada. A pesquisa é feita por meio de estudo de múltiplos casos, resgatando dados históricos, e começa de uma decisão estratégica voltada à inovação. Em seguida, observam-se as reconfigurações que foram necessárias nas capacidades ordinárias das empresas, e apresenta-se a sua nova configuração, considerando os movimentos que foram necessários para implantar o plano estratégico que as levou a inovar. O estudo contribui com a literatura por apresentar a operacionalização das capacidades dinâmicas, e tem como contribuição gerencial a possibilidade de aplicação do conhecimento sobre capacidades ordinárias e dinâmicas nas decisões estratégicas das empresas.
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O processo de mudança em busca da sustentabilidade tem recebido o enfoque da inovação como base à construção de dinâmicas para uma ‘transição’. A partir desta visão, o objetivo do presente ensaio teórico é identificar como o contexto de... more
O processo de mudança em busca da sustentabilidade tem recebido o enfoque da inovação como base à construção de dinâmicas para uma ‘transição’. A partir desta visão, o objetivo do presente ensaio teórico é identificar como o contexto de inovação pode contribuir com a transição para a sustentabilidade a partir de uma perspectiva complexa. Com as discussões realizadas, entende-se que sob uma perspectiva multi nível (PMN) e com uma noção incerta e incompleta das situações, a utilização de (re) configurações sócio-técnicas leva ao entender que o todo é resultado das partes, segue a lógica micro-meso-macro e gera um novo contexto guiado por regimes efetivos para a inovação, considerando que as temáticas analisadas tem em essência ser antagônica, concorrente e complementar.
Research Interests: Sociology and Humanities
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Page 1. 1 Innovation in the Brazilian Wine Industry. André Cherubini Alves Economics and Administration University of the Rio dos Sinos Valley Av. Unisinos, 950 Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, RS, 93.022-000, Brazil +55 (51) 3591 1122... more
Page 1. 1 Innovation in the Brazilian Wine Industry. André Cherubini Alves Economics and Administration University of the Rio dos Sinos Valley Av. Unisinos, 950 Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, RS, 93.022-000, Brazil +55 (51) 3591 1122 andrecherubin@unisinos.br ...
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The economic effects of isolation policies resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to look for alternatives to survive. Within this crisis scenario, an engaged university has an important... more
The economic effects of isolation policies resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to look for alternatives to survive. Within this crisis scenario, an engaged university has an important role to play in a regional context in addressing not only health issues, but also any resultant social and economic problems. An engaged university needs to take actions that go beyond its traditional missions of education and research - it has to deliver knowledge to society. This paper analyzes a university-community project in Brazil to identify the necessary elements that help promote a regionally-engaged university: the SOS-PME Advisory Network project, which was originally designed to assist SMEs during the crisis. As a result, we identified elements necessary for promoting the university’s third mission - social engagement by way of a university-community project: an engaged team, multidisciplinarity, project management, agility, alliances, a c...
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O setor de serviços é um importante segmento na economia global, tornando-se fonte de crescimento não só para os países desenvolvidos, mas também para as economias emergentes. Dessa forma, é imperativo que se compreenda as implicações das... more
O setor de serviços é um importante segmento na economia global, tornando-se fonte de crescimento não só para os países desenvolvidos, mas também para as economias emergentes. Dessa forma, é imperativo que se compreenda as implicações das estratégias de internacionalização para diferentes categorias de serviços. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo analisar o processo de internacionalização de empresas brasileiras de serviços. Para tanto, utilizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa de natureza exploratória com estudo de múltiplos casos. Os três casos utilizados são empresas de serviços de diferentes setores de atuação: uma produtora, uma empresa de TI e uma escola de atividades criativas. Elaborou-se um framework analítico que contempla o histórico da empresa, motivação, mercado destino, modo de entrada, mercado doméstico, influenciadores e benefícios. Os resultados alertam os gestores de empresas sobre a importância do alinhamento entre as decisões concernentes à internacionalização de e...
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The impact of export performance resources of companies belonging to clusters: a study in the French winery industry O Impacto dos Recursos do Desempenho Exportador de Empresas Pertencentes a Clusters: um estudo no setor vitivinícola... more
The impact of export performance resources of companies belonging to clusters: a study in the French winery industry O Impacto dos Recursos do Desempenho Exportador de Empresas Pertencentes a Clusters: um estudo no setor vitivinícola francês El impacto de los recursos del rendimiento exportador de compañías pertenecientes a clústeres: un estudio del sector vitivinícola francés
A industria criativa vem ganhando importância no cenario economico nas duas ultimas decadas. Nesse contexto, a inovacao e a criatividade assumem um papel central na sobrevivencia das organizacoes que compoem os setores da industria... more
A industria criativa vem ganhando importância no cenario economico nas duas ultimas decadas. Nesse contexto, a inovacao e a criatividade assumem um papel central na sobrevivencia das organizacoes que compoem os setores da industria criativa. Entre esses setores, destacam-se os escritorios de design. O objetivo deste trabalho e analisar a percepcao dos gestores dos escritorios de design sobre o conceito de inovacao e seus fatores antecedentes. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratoria de natureza qualitativa. Foram selecionadas duas empresas de consultoria em design e de pequeno porte para servirem como objetos de estudo. Os resultados demonstraram que o entendimento sobre o que e inovacao difere entre esses dois casos. Destacam-se como fatores influenciadores da inovacao nesses escritorios: a participacao e o envolvimento com o cliente nos projetos, a capacidade criativa dos funcionarios, o processo de briefing e o compartilhamento de ideias. Conclui-se que o grande desafio ...
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This research aims at analyzing the relation between the flow of knowledge, lock-in and stage of the lifecycle of a cluster. For that, the Footwear Cluster of Vale dos Sinos-Paranhana in Rio Grande do Sul was chosen as a study object. The... more
This research aims at analyzing the relation between the flow of knowledge, lock-in and stage of the lifecycle of a cluster. For that, the Footwear Cluster of Vale dos Sinos-Paranhana in Rio Grande do Sul was chosen as a study object. The results point out that the cluster is little collaborative and little innovative. The cluster is still recognized as a great footwear producer, but the own identity of the people with the cluster is being lost. The local culture does not promote the diffusion of knowledge, since the companies are closed. This research contributes with the comprehension of how the clusters develop, for this purpose, the flow of knowledge will have a central role in the renewal of the cluster. As a practical implication, the awareness of the difficulties and the necessary mechanisms to renovate a cluster are important so that it is possible to work on sectoral policies and of cluster. As theoretical contribution, the study reinforces that the lack of new knowledge in...
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EnglishPurpose – This paper aims to explore innovation in geographic business networks and to propose a model of innovation capability of cluster. The premise is that innovation is a necessity for firms and relations inter firms is an... more
EnglishPurpose – This paper aims to explore innovation in geographic business networks and to propose a model of innovation capability of cluster. The premise is that innovation is a necessity for firms and relations inter firms is an alternative for it to occur. Among these relationships, clusters stand out, with studies showing that firms in clusters tend to be more innovative. Design/methodology/approach–This, we conducted an exploratory research with two clusters: emerging cluster of Alto do Camaqua, in Brazil and growing cluster of Sisteron, in France.The cases were analyzed from elements previously established in the literature: context, collective strategy, public policy, commercialization, pro-activity, external relations, transmission collaboration, assimilation, transformation and application of knowledge, governance, infrastructure, financial resources and human resources. Findings– We arrived to a model of cluster innovation capability, composed by the strategic manageme...
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Abstract Within the cluster literature, few studies have analyzed the potential dangers of regional economic overspecialization. The lock-in effect is frequently mentioned to describe the decline of a cluster, but few studies have... more
Abstract Within the cluster literature, few studies have analyzed the potential dangers of regional economic overspecialization. The lock-in effect is frequently mentioned to describe the decline of a cluster, but few studies have actually tested such arguments. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impacts of the lock-in effect on the evolutionary trajectory of the Vale dos Sinos-Paranhana footwear cluster. To this end, we conducted interviews with industries and representatives institutions, to analyze how productive and cognitive inertia, the absence of innovative startups and the static entrepreneurial model adopted by local agents limited the acquisition and recombination of new knowledge within the cluster, making it a rigid and uncompetitive structure.
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Most studies on innovation capability analyze the firm level. Little efforts have been made to understand the interactions that take place in inter-organizational agglomerations and the capabilities that such arrangements retain. This... more
Most studies on innovation capability analyze the firm level. Little efforts have been made to understand the interactions that take place in inter-organizational agglomerations and the capabilities that such arrangements retain. This study aims to develop a theoretical framework of cluster innovation capability. The academic production about innovation capability of clusters in the business field from 2005 to 2014 was analyzed and the databases consulted were: EBSCO, SCOPUS, and Web of Knowledge.311 items were cataloged, 144 were available in full text, and among those 18 papers were selected. The cluster innovation capability was structured based on a theoretical framework through qualitative content analysis. Thus, acquisition capability, diffusing capability, and knowledge management capability are the main capabilities that constitute the cluster innovation capability.
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Clusters têm sido objeto de pesquisa durante décadas devido as vantagens competitivas locais que impulsionam o desenvolvimento regional. Entretanto, grande parte dos estudos desconsideraram o desenvolvimento de suas estruturas ao longo do... more
Clusters têm sido objeto de pesquisa durante décadas devido as vantagens competitivas locais que impulsionam o desenvolvimento regional. Entretanto, grande parte dos estudos desconsideraram o desenvolvimento de suas estruturas ao longo do tempo. Recentemente, acadêmicos passaram a desenvolver abordagens dinâmicas que conseguissem explicar os padrões de desenvolvimento dos clusters. A resiliência de cluster é um constructo utilizado para entender como os cluster adaptam as suas estruturas a fim de superar choques, entretanto ainda é um conceito bastante embrionário. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a resiliência econômica dos clusters, buscando identificar os principais elementos que impactam na sua capacidade de resistência, recuperação e adaptação após um choque externo. Para tanto, foi desenvolvido um framework teórico baseado nos recentes avanços da literatura de geografia econômica evolucionária. Como principais contribuições, este artigo redefiniu resiliência de cluster e seu...
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The aim of this paper is based on understanding how sustainability-oriented transition occurs in clusters. This study focuses on both drivers and actors of that transition. Empirical results based on induction, using mixed-methods on the... more
The aim of this paper is based on understanding how sustainability-oriented transition occurs in clusters. This study focuses on both drivers and actors of that transition. Empirical results based on induction, using mixed-methods on the Serra Gaucha wine cluster in the South of Brazil, suggest that, at the micro-level, the mobility and adoption of knowledge about sustainability and individual awareness will support sustainability-oriented strategies as a new source of competitive advantage. Then, at the meso-level, collective actors’ efforts towards sustainability in the cluster legitimize, disseminate and facilitate the adoption of new sustainable-oriented practices, creating a new cluster sub-identity (sustainability) compatible with the existing one. These actors utilize leading local firms in order to disseminate new practices and signal change in the territory. Lastly, macro-level governmental regulations, market pressures, and other environmental changes facilitate that clust...
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Purpose – Innovation ecosystems can emerge and grow organically, but the process can also be managed through conscious intervention. Therefore, this study observes different motivations and expectations for each group of actors. The lack... more
Purpose – Innovation ecosystems can emerge and grow organically, but the process can also be managed through conscious intervention. Therefore, this study observes different motivations and expectations for each group of actors. The lack of alignment between actors could have a negative influence on the development of innovation ecosystems. This study aims to analyze the coordination strategies of the actors throughout the life cycle of innovation ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach – This study develops and proposes a model for coordinating innovation ecosystems based on the theoretical backgrounds of the ecosystem life cycle and ecosystem coordination. Findings – This study argues that each stage of an innovation ecosystem’s life cycle – inception, launching, growth and maturity – demands different coordination strategies. Initially, networks are simpler and thus the coordination issues are less difficult. However, as the ecosystem evolves and the complexity of the networks in...
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Purpose Requalification of neglected areas in urban contexts is considered as one of the main challenges for smart cities. Business clusters stand out as mechanisms of innovation for not only the clustered firms but also the territory in... more
Purpose Requalification of neglected areas in urban contexts is considered as one of the main challenges for smart cities. Business clusters stand out as mechanisms of innovation for not only the clustered firms but also the territory in which they are located. However, the cluster emergence process is complex and still unknown. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the orchestration process in the emergence of a cluster of innovation (CoI). Design/methodology/approach This study is a qualitative exploratory research in Porto Alegre, a State capital in Southern Brazil, in the region known as 4th District. Data were collected through documentary research, non-participant observation and face-to-face in-depth interviews. Findings Results indicate the importance of alignment among network members, possible difficulties caused by members’ heterogeneity and the need to disseminate information and interaction for the appropriability of knowledge and innovation in the emergence process o...
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Resumo O presente artigo tecnológico tem como finalidade propor uma metodologia para gestão da inovação que objetiva atender às necessidades de micro e pequenas empresas de base tecnológica. O desenvolvimento dessa metodologia ocorre no... more
Resumo O presente artigo tecnológico tem como finalidade propor uma metodologia para gestão da inovação que objetiva atender às necessidades de micro e pequenas empresas de base tecnológica. O desenvolvimento dessa metodologia ocorre no âmbito do programa da Financiadora Nacional do Projetos (FINEP) para a estruturação de Núcleos de Apoio à Gestão da Inovação (Nagis), visando à elaboração de Planos e Projetos de Gestão da Inovação nas empresas brasileiras. Para o desenvolvimento da presente proposta, foi realizada uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa desenvolvida em duas etapas principais. Na primeira fase, desenvolveu-se uma revisão da literatura dos principais elementos para gestão da inovação, especialmente no contexto das micro e pequenas empresas. Na segunda, foram selecionados cinco NAGIs, dentre os 24 aprovados na chamada pública MCTI/FINEP, de acordo com sua trajetória desenvolvida até o momento da pesquisa, em janeiro de 2014. A metodologia proposta – Rota da Inovação – par...
Purpose: Research about how creative economy grew considerably in last years, mainly by the increase of representation that this sector has in the global economy. It is believed that creative economy's organizations have some... more
Purpose: Research about how creative economy grew considerably in last years, mainly by the increase of representation that this sector has in the global economy. It is believed that creative economy's organizations have some characteristics that differentiate them for the traditional areas where creativity is relevant in the innovation process. Thus, this paper aims to analyse the process of innovation in the creative economy organizations. Originality/gap/relevance/implications: Due to still early literature in the Brazilian context, we expect to contribute to it in the business studies field. Key methodological aspects: We conducted an exploratory qualitative research study on four micro enterprises that are part of the creative industries. The theoretical approach was about innovation in creative organizations, so as it was possible to realize an analysis of innovation in the investigated business from three categories identified in the literature: organization, technology o...
The global economy recognizes the relevance of the SME in the global market (Knight, 2001; Shrader, Oviatt& McDougall, 2000). International studies highlight the relevance of SME to employment generations and innovation (European... more
The global economy recognizes the relevance of the SME in the global market (Knight, 2001; Shrader, Oviatt& McDougall, 2000). International studies highlight the relevance of SME to employment generations and innovation (European Commission 2010). Traditional literature provides arguments to support the fact that foreign markets are an arena for only the most productive organizations (Melitz, 2003). New studies present evidence to think firms could be affected in their productivity level by international environment and exports. This experience allows firms to learn about foreign scenarios which provides new knowledge to improve productivity (De Loecker, 2007; Melitz and Constantini, 2008; Damijan et al., 2009; Aw et al., 2008, 2011).Under the framework of emerging markets, it is taken for granted that internationalization and innovation process are happening in a very particular way, processes under conditions that are new and changing rapidly (Meyer and Peng, 2005; Berglöf et al.,...
ABSTRACT Although the importance of local/regional factors in firms' international competitiveness has been increasingly recognised, few studies have investigated the relationship between clusters and the internationalisation... more
ABSTRACT Although the importance of local/regional factors in firms' international competitiveness has been increasingly recognised, few studies have investigated the relationship between clusters and the internationalisation process of clustered firms. This theme assumes special relevance for industries that are predominantly organised in territorial agglomerations, or clusters, as is the case of the wine industry. The objective of this paper is to identify the resources generated by the cluster and analyse their influence in the companies' internationalisation process. A case study was carried out on two wine clusters: Provence, in Southern France, and Serra Gaúcha, in Southern Brazil. The resource-based theory provides the underlying analytical framework. Both theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.