Collaborative Networks and Sustainable Business: A Case Study in the Brazilian System of Innovation

This paper presents a management model designed to articulate the different actors from Brazilian innovation ecosystem aligned to business strategy. This model was developed and is being validated by a Brazilian company called Natura, a consumer goods industry leader in the cosmetic sector in Brazil and that has operations in six other Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru), and France. Natura investments in innovation increased from US$ 44.07 million in 2008 to US$ 83.84 million in 2010.The methodology of this study was inspired by good practice search, following the approach suggested by Slowinski and Sagal (2010). Also, it was based on previous company experience and its technology planning, activity that within the company aims to assess trends (consumption, market and technology), build product roadmaps, research and innovation programs, map and evaluate technical competences and its related gaps in order to achieve the innovation strategy. The collaborative networks and partnerships management model was designed to meet the innovation strategy by assessing competences in the external network of partners and by articulating universities, companies and governments in a single framework. This occurs through the integration of four processes that aim to form, to strengthen and connect innovation networks.