Innovative entrepreneurship and competitive performance : The Prime Program Case, Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of a Support Program to Innovative Entrepreneurship on the competitive development of the supported companies. We carried out a study about the PRIME Program – First Innovative Company –, realized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) of Brazil and its Studies and Projects Financing agency (FINEP), in partnership with Incubators, from the standpoint of the companies favored by the program, with a focus on competitive development and local development. Therefore, we decided to apply a qualitative study of multiple cases on the companies selected through RAIAR incubator, of Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Overall, we found out that the performance indicators that improved the most under PRIME’s influence were: revenue, management, and image. Likewise, the indicators that least improved and that, according to interviewed managers, experienced less influence from PRIME, were new products and new processes.