The brazilian food industry (iba): profile and technological dynamics.

This article seeks to identify the main factors behind the Brazilian Food Industries (IBA) innovation process. Initially, we tried to identify which sub-sectors within the food and beverage sector are more innovative than the others, and the role of the different explanatory factors, including competitive strategy that sustain these companies in the national market. In microeconomic incentives to innovate, our results show that there is a limitation of the food industries to innovate in relation to the other processing industries in Brazil, especially in micro and small companies. In addition, our results show that innovation is an essential part of the food industry in order to meet domestic demand and to exceed consumer expectations, as competition in this sector is very heated. Finally, our results indicate that it will be necessary to raise the awareness of entrepreneurs regarding the use of industrial property as a tool for scientific, technological and consequently economic development of the Brazilian food industries.