Technological innovation processes revisited

This work is part of an inquiry into the causes of the small occurrence of innovations in the Brazilian society. It was based on a retrospective analysis of cases experienced by the author, as well as on the study of certain industries. The systemic model of the technological innovation process presented here, while revisiting the models in the literature, emphasizes the crucial role of the activity of the conception of new ideas and its interaction with other phases of the process. Conception is critical and was, therefore, separated from other activities mainly because it is subject to the action of innovations inhibiting factors. A model for these factors is also presented. The author expects that an enhanced understanding of the innovation process in its complexity and of the action of inhibiting factors will help R&D managers to achieve better success levels.