Title: Threads of innovation: exploring the drivers of innovation performance in the textile industry

Authors: Giancarlo Gomes; Paula Gulart Munhoz; Danielly Marques Frazão

Addresses: Department of Management, University of Blumenau (FURB), R. Antônio da Veiga, 140–Sala D102 – Itoupava Seca, Blumenau – SC, CEP 89012-900, Brazil ' Department of Management, University of Blumenau (FURB), R. Antônio da Veiga, 140–Sala D102 – Itoupava Seca, Blumenau – SC, CEP 89012-900, Brazil ' Department of Management, University of Blumenau (FURB), R. Antônio da Veiga, 140–Sala D102 – Itoupava Seca, Blumenau – SC, CEP 89012-900, Brazil

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship of leadership for innovation, technology acquisition, and support mechanisms on innovation performance in the textile industry, focusing on Santa Catarina, a significant region in Brazil's textile sector. Drawing from a sample of 128 participants across five textile firms, we analysed the data using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) for hypothesis testing. The findings highlight the positive influence of innovation-centric leadership on technology acquisition. Additionally, technology acquisition improves the effectiveness of companies' support mechanisms and directly enhances innovation performance. Support mechanisms also have a direct positive relationship with innovation performance. In a highly competitive and evolving textile sector, the outcomes of this study guide textile company stakeholders toward more strategic innovation initiatives, which are essential for economic growth and sustainable competitive advantage.

Keywords: textile industry; leadership for innovation; technology acquisition; support mechanisms; innovation performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2024.144596

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2024 Vol.28 No.5/6, pp.365 - 382

Received: 09 Nov 2023
Accepted: 14 Aug 2024
Published online: 23 Feb 2025 *

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