As ecoinovações no Brasil em um contexto de crise ambiental: análise na indústria moveleira

Abstract

This thesis aims at conducting a theoretical and empirical research in order to identify and understand the dynamics of the introduction of eco-innovations in the firms' productive processes in the furniture sector. It also aims at understanding the kind of contribution such dynamics can offer to the development of environmental sustainability. From a systemic perspective, it tries to identify the informational, socio-environmental and economic factors which may influence the eco-innovation processes in the furniture sector. The study also looks for ways of diffusing eco-innovative strategies, such as the role of the furniture industry in the transformation of the production chain in the forestry sector. This research particularly highlights the exchange of information and knowledge among stakeholders as potentiating the eco-innovative activities. In the first phase, the methodology develops a literature review with the discussion of the main theoretical concepts. The second phase involves field research, with a descriptive and exploratory character and a qualitative approach. It develops case studies in three furniture companies located in the APL of Carmo do Cajuru (MG). Key players involved in the support and promotion of the productive activities in the cluster are interviewed. A questionnaire is applied to collect data aiming at identifying, in particular, how the eco-innovations occur and what degree of importance is given to them. Data analysis is supported by the global vision of the furniture supply chain, considering both the various agents and the informational, socio-environmental, technological and economic perspectives. The analysis also uses the triangulation technique of the data. Comparative analysis of the companies surveyed is made to verify the similarities and contrasts in relation to conditions in the adoption and diffusion of eco-innovative strategies and sector impacts on forest production chain. The main findings corroborate the literature assumptions which showed that eco-innovative strategies consider regulatory framework and effective policies as crucial factors for their adoption, notably with regard to eco-innovations in processes and management methods. The data showed eco-innovations are also influenced by other determinants and result from a complex and systemic interactive process involving the exchange of information and cooperation among various actors. This process is crucial for continuous learning and the incorporation of new knowledge, thus distinguishing the influence of regulations on the innovative capacity of firms. It can support the development of new technological skills and connections with other actors which constitute a source of information. Other results identify that the restrictions imposed by legislation also caused both the gradual replacement of solid wood by less harmful materials for the environment (wood paneling reconstituted and reforested woods) and changes in production chains of furniture and forestry sectors in a dynamic of mutual inter sectorial influences. Finally, it turns out that many of the actions taken by companies end up by reducing negative impacts to the environment and by bringing economic benefits to the companies, showing evidence that the eco-innovations have potential significant contribution in the search for solutions on the issue of environmental sustainability.