Barriers for innovation detected in 400 colombian businesses, based on the innovation “U” coefficient methodology

Nowadays the Innovation has been an important subject for small, medium and large companies, if it´s implemented correctly, it allows their growth and sustainability. This paper was made by eighth semester Industrial Engineering students, for the Technology Management course at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) in Medellin, Colombia. The main objective of this assignment was to diagnose the innovation in a small company that manufactures precast concrete products. The aim of this study was achieved, through the use of two innovation diagnosis tools, elaborated by UPB researchers: Technological management methodology (MGT) and Barriers to innovation, obtaining an approach to the current state of innovation in the company.  Among the results, some aspects stand out, such as lack of technology training of their employees, lack of communication of new product development strategy and the lack of feedback about the market behavior to the technical department, among others. This paper begins by explaining the importance of innovation today, for both large companies as well as SMEs. Then it is presented with the various tools developed and their implementation in businesses to make a diagnosis of innovation. Exposing the methodology used for the implementation in the SMEs and the selected tools, achieving a diagnosis of the position in the SME in the subject of innovation through the results obtained. As well as its relevancy to the recommendations that are exposed. Continuing to conclude in relation to the importance of the management and the implementation of these tools.