Trajetórias de acumulação de capacidades tecnológicas: O Caso da Indústria Leiteira do Sudoeste do Paraná

The study analyzes as trajectories of technology accumulation and learning processes of the dairy industry of the Southwest region of Parana State. Considering the importance that this activity has for the economy of Parana—the Parana represents 12.9% of national production—there has been a growing interest in understanding the innovative and technological potential of this industry, however very little has been investigated, especially in the southwest of Parana state. This research used a qualitative approach and a design based on primary evidence collected mainly through interviews in four companies. The study find that one dairy firm developed a trajectory of accumulation of technological capabilities that resulted in intermediate technological capability of innovation; and, three dairies firms remained stagnated in basic production technological capabilities, two of them for more than 30 years. In these three cases the learning mechanisms were based only in training and technical assistance. In addition, it is considered that dairy products, regardless of the trajectory of the firms, are focused on the production of Mozzarella cheese with scarce of product diversification. It is suggested urgency in support in local innovation policies be encouraged to stimulate the innovation process, especially in products.