Introduction

Literature review

Final considerations

Compliance with ethical standards

Conflicts of interest

References

Abstract

Innovation practice contributes to economic development by fostering the development of new markets and the improvement of existing markets. This study aimed to identify the innovations in the flat knitting industry that occurred between 2008 and 2011. This applied nature study considers both qualitative and quantitative approaches with exploratory and descriptive purposes as its research method. A survey addressed to managers of 23 flat knitting industries was conducted. Data analysis was carried out in two stages: in the qualitative stage, content analysis of the interview was performed, while in the quantitative stage, a descriptive quantitative analysis through correlation statistics was used, in order to identify the level of relationship between the variables of the theoretical construct. The results of the qualitative stage showed that the flat knitting industry invests in innovation compatible with the market demands and fashion trends. The quantitative results identified relationships among the variables named annual turnover, number of employees and amount invested in marketing innovation. In addition, correlations were also observed among the variables skilled workforce and amount invested both in product and organizational innovation, and a relationship was identified between amount invested in product innovation and amount invested in marketing innovation.

Introduction

Brazil is one of the few developing countries that has internalized all activities of the textile complex, in addition to manufacturing a wide range of products in such a manner that supplies all the market segments. The internalization occurred from the raw materials’ production (natural and chemical fibers) to clothing production. The segments that have become more modernized are those which manufacture textiles for domestic purposes and the knitting mills (Scherer & Campos, 1996). Not only has the textile and clothing industry been studied nationally and internationally, but also by itssector, in pursuance of understanding the links within the textile and clothing chain, orthe chain as a whole, asit happensforthe flat knitting industry, which is part of the textile chain (Vogt, 2003). According to the Industrial Marketing and Studies Institute (IEMI), the industrialization process in Brazil began with the textile industry. Its history and roots preceded the Portuguese arrival and colonization, since the natives inhabiting the country had already developed and had been using artisanal and primitive techniques, such as hand weaving plant fibers to produce coarse fabrics with the purpose of protecting their body (IEMI, 2014). Such sector is relevant since it represents 5% of the manufacturing industry’s gross domestic product and generates over 10% of jobs within this economic activity. One of the most significant contributions of the textile and clothing sector is the generation and distribution of income, therefore improving the living conditions of the Brazilian population while contributing to the following results: (a) it provides more than eight million direct and indirect jobs; (b) it creates first employment opportunities to inexperienced workers; (c) it is the main employer of women who are heads of household; (d) it engages all levels of the social and educational pyramid; and (e) it is a consistent alternative for income transfer programs (ABIT, 2011).