The coevolution between public policies/institutions and technological development: the case of Petrobras Biocombustível

Abstract:

The main objective of this paper was to analyze the coevolution of the public policies/institutions and technological capabilities of Petrobras Biocombustível (PBio). To do so, the study considered a theoretical approach related to the neoshumpterian view, analyzing the evolution process from 2004 to 2012. The main findings were: i) PBio/Petrobras reached higher levels of technological capabilities in their industrial paths when compared to induced agricultural technologies; and, ii) the policies/institutions of this sector have evolved, especially regarding the financing industrial policy and the demand raising policy. However, although the levels of policies/institutions were high in the sector, they do not established technological patterns of international frontier, indicating that this catching up will be reached through additional internal efforts.

Keywords:
innovation; technologic evolution; biodiesel; biofuels; coevolution