Technologies transmission between micro and small phytocosmetic companies in the Amazon State and developing knowledge institutions

Abstract

The phytocosmetics market requires that companies have the capacity to develop new technologies with lower costs and time to launch, which demands skills that often small and medium sized companies do not have, requiring a process of transferring knowledge and technology. It has historically been noted that innovation is not merely an external technological shock, but a process within companies, which includes endogenous learning, feedback, and incremental modifications over a period of time. This article aimed to understand the mechanisms used by Amazonian phytocosmetics companies to transfer knowledge and technology that contribute to their productive, management and marketing processes. The research was carried out in companies, installed in Amazonas State, producing phytocosmetics such as cosmetics, personal hygiene products and perfumes, which have in their composition some ingredient derived from the Amazonian biodiversity, except handling pharmacies. It had a qualitative and exploratory character. The Multiple Case Study was used as a method to understand the nature and complexity of a given phenomenon, which occurred simultaneously in several institutions. It was found that companies in the phytocosmetics segment develop relatively simple knowledge related to marketing, technical activities and scientific knowledge. The companies prefer to establish partnerships with chosen suppliers according to their reputation in the market. There is no defined channel of transferring technology and the main mechanism of knowledge transfer used are the training that are generally well assimilated, but little incorporated work practices.