Title: Brazilian entrepreneurship: a comparative study on imitation and innovation practices

Authors: Eric Dorion; Eloide Teresa Pavoni; Luciana Ribeiro Chalela; Eliana Andrea Severo

Addresses: School of Administration, University of Caxias do Sul, Francisco Getulio Vargas, 1130 – Petropolis, Caxias do Sul – RS 95070-560, Brazil ' School of Administration, University of Caxias do Sul, Francisco Getulio Vargas, 1130 – Petropolis, Caxias do Sul – RS 95070-560, Brazil ' School of Administration, University of Caxias do Sul, Francisco Getulio Vargas, 1130 – Petropolis, Caxias do Sul – RS 95070-560, Brazil ' School of Administration, University of Caxias do Sul, Francisco Getulio Vargas, 1130 – Petropolis, Caxias do Sul – RS 95070-560, Brazil

Abstract: This paper aims to discuss if innovation is one of the characteristics of Brazilian entrepreneurship. To do so, it presents initially different concepts throughout time related to entrepreneurship and innovation. Then, it discusses imitation as a kind of entrepreneurship action from many authors| point of view so it becomes possible, afterwards, to present challenges for entrepreneurship in Brazil. It shows figures related to new businesses, their importance for the economy in this country, and after that presents some data related to innovation in the industry. This last observation has the objective to confront the profile of the most common behaviour in Brazilian industry. Through data collection, it is possible to demonstrate that Brazilian entrepreneurship is, in most cases, in an imitation process of existing businesses, with very poor innovative processes. These conclusions allow discussing entrepreneurship concepts presented. Mostly, they tend to characterise the Brazilian entrepreneurship as something which is very creative, but poorly innovative.

Keywords: innovation; imitation; Brazil; comparative studies; South America; new business ventures; innovative processes; creativity; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; entrepreneurs; entrepreneurship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2011.042719

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2011 Vol.14 No.2, pp.190 - 204

Published online: 21 Oct 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article