Title: Integration of R&D and new product development: case studies of Brazilian high-tech firms

Authors: Daniel Jugend; Sérgio Luis Da Silva

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, Sao Paulo State University – UNESP, Av. Engenheiro Luiz Edmundo Carrijo Coube 14-01, 17033-360, Bauru, SP, Brazil ' Federal University of Sao Carlos – UFSCar, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235 – SP-310, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil

Abstract: One of the aspects that influence good performance of new product development (NPD) at high-tech companies is the integration of research and development (R&D) and the other functions involved with NPD. The objective of this paper is to examine why Brazilian medium and large sized high-tech companies are different with respect to the integration of R&D with NPD. An analysis of case studies was conducted at five Brazilian high-tech firms. Among the results, collectivism, which is characteristic of the Brazilian organisational culture, was seen to manifest itself in companies through the adoption of cross-functional teams; the valorisation of personal relations, which is stimulated by physical proximity; and project managers' ample participation in different functions involving NPD.

Keywords: innovation; integration; new product development; NPD; high tech firms; high technology; research and development; R&D; collectivism; Brazil; organisational culture; cross-functional teams; personal relations; project management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2014.063071

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2014 Vol.8 No.4, pp.422 - 439

Published online: 25 Jul 2014 *

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