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Technological dynamics of the Brazilian food and beverage industry (2000-2011)

Abstract

The Brazilian food and beverage industry is of great social and economic importance to the nation, and technology represents a key factor for competitiveness in the sector. Learning about the past and recent technological dynamics of this industry enables the identification of trends and perspectives that enhance its competitiveness. Based on indicators from the Industrial Survey of Technological Innovation (Pesquisa Industrial de Inovação Tecnológica - PINTEC), the present paper discusses the technological and innovative dynamics of the Brazilian food and beverage sector between 2000 and 2011. In general, new technology within the sector has been incorporated rather than created. Enterprise investment in R&D is still low and the sector’s technology strategy is mostly imitative. However, this period presented positive dynamization of technological efforts, with the primary goal of increasing productive efficiency and effectiveness, but with additional goals of reducing environmental impacts and meeting regulatory standards.

Keywords:
Agribusiness; Food industry; Innovative activity; Technological efforts

Universidade Federal de São Carlos Departamento de Engenharia de Produção , Caixa Postal 676 , 13.565-905 São Carlos SP Brazil, Tel.: +55 16 3351 8471 - São Carlos - SP - Brazil
E-mail: gp@dep.ufscar.br