Innovation Capabilities in an Inter-Organizational Network in Brazilian Amazon

Abstract This article analyzes innovation capabilities in an inter-organizational network for businesses based on biotechnology applied on biodiversity assets in the Brazilian Amazon. It is a case study about an innovation network for development and commercialization of an antioxidant compounds line of a local fruit called açai (Euterpe oleracea) in the state of Pará. The network is formed by a public university, a small technology-based company that develops high value-added products based on biodiversity, and an agribusiness company that processes, markets, and distributes products made from fruits of the Amazon region. The study shows that the capabilities found in an inter-organizational network produce innovation processes that the network's members would not be able to develop alone. In the case researched, the network connecting the organizations' capabilities enabled the exploration of biotechnological opportunities within the açaí production chain by creating competitive products. However, limitations linked to innovation appropriability prevent those innovative organizations, operating as an inter-organizational network, economically explore this product line.