TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY AND INNOVATION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN BRAZILIAN TECHNOLOGY-BASED COMPANIES

Study objective: This study investigated how technological-based companies (TBC), aiming to adapt them to continuous technological changes, develop technological capability (TC) in order to generate innovation (I). Methodology / approach: A qualitative and exploratory research was carried out, based on a study of multiple cases, based on direct observations, analysis of documents and semi structured interviews conducted with TBC managers. The interviews were coded and analyzed using the Atlas.ti software, which contributed to the content analysis technique. Originality / Relevance: Given the business environment characterized by continuous technological changes, TBC must stimulate its TC and innovate continuously to guarantee its survival. Main results: It was found that the five theoretical dimensions of the I and the four components of the TC were manifested in the studied TBC, in addition to the consolidation of the theoretical research model, integrating a new component of the CT: 'cultural capital'. Theoretical / methodological contributions: We sought to evolve with the literature on technological capabilities and innovation in the context of TBC. Social / management contributions: It is hoped that this investigation can help future technological entrepreneurs to identify which components of the TC and dimensions of the I, help in the management of TBC.