Ecossistemas e arranjos inovativos na mineração: O caso da Vale

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the intensity of interactions between the mining company Vale and the various actors within its innovation ecosystems. The ecosystemic approach provides a broad view of various innovation models, which helps in understanding the strategies of companies in low innovation-intensive sectors. The theoretical framework presented follows the evolution of the innovation concept, from classical thinking to recent analyses on innovation ecosystems, Triple Helix, and Open Innovation. Based on the collected data and applied bibliographies, it is possible to report a slow and incremental innovation process by Vale, with an acceleration starting in 2015. The innovations that occurred within the company have always been produced by third parties, even if the ideation was internal. The obtained results revealed that the company's innovation ecosystems are dense in actors, with intense interactions, focused on incremental innovations, cost reduction, and productivity enhancement. The main drivers of Vale's innovation ecosystems are environmental goals and sustainability through innovation.