Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation

Collaboration between actors of Triple Helix can be identified as the basis for the development of main regions of innovation around the world. The model of interaction between Government, Academia and Industry is facing challenges for a better and greater transfer of knowledge, technology and innovation from universities to society and business. This article discusses the interactions of the Triple Helix actors for the technological development of oil and gas industry in Brazil. The study presents the current state of Triple Helix interactions in the sector and discusses the impact of physical and managerial distance between the institutions. We conclude by stating that current efforts to develop a “Triple Helix Region” must go beyond the goals of increasing technology to local industry. A long-term sustainable strategy must also be developed

Highlights: The prevalence of Research and Development (R&D) as an inducing factor for innovation has been questioned, and studies show that low-tech companies are able to innovate. Innovation capability is essential to increase productivity and improve competitiveness. However, when formal R&D is considered as the main parameter in its evaluation, it tends to underestimate it. The extent and heterogeneity of studies on innovation in non-R&D practitioners is a relevant problem and, despite theoretical and empirical advances, it is not satisfactorily resolved yet. Goal: This article presents a reference model for innovation capability maturity in low-technology, non-R&D performing companies, oriented to guide decision makers and the institutions supporting these organizations. Design / Methodology / Approach: The method used to construct the model is based on the proposition of Ahlemann and Gastl (2007) for the construction of reference models based on empirical evidence. Results: The model is based on ten organizational dimensions and their effects on the organization's performance. Five maturity levels are defined, synthesizing the fundamental characteristics of innovation capability in non-R&D practitioners or low technology companies. Limitations of the investigation: Although the model has been tested and validated, more applications and tests may still be required. Practical implications: The model is an important tool for decision-making, at the management level, in low-tech companies that aspire to broaden their innovation capability. Originality / Value: The model has significant potential academic repercussions, in terms of the expansion of knowledge, as well as for the industry, since it can contribute to the increase of the competitive performance of companies.

Goal: This article presents an analysis of the validity and reliability of the assessment instrument used in the 2016–2017 Brazilian Innovation Award. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study used multivariate analysis techniques on the data from 2,651 companies. Two hypotheses were tested. The first (H1), related to reliability, used Pearson’s Correlation and Cronbach’s alpha. The second hypothesis (H2), related to validity, used Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: The instrument is reliable and valid and is an important mechanism for the assessment of the maturity of innovation management. Limitations of the investigation: One of the constructs can still be improved in future studies and applications, although it has demonstrated acceptable levels of reliability and validity. Practical implications: The combined use of the constructs “organizational dimensions” and “innovation outcomes” proved to be an accurate conceptual model for assessing the maturity level of innovation management in organizations. Originality/Value: The instrument is a robust diagnostic instrument and, with appropriate adaptations, it can be replicated and used in other contexts and countries, providing international comparative studies.