Similarmente, os resultados sugerem que as perdas de energia sofrem redução à medida que as distribuidoras investem em P&D. Nossas análises, contudo, não apresentam evidências suficientes de que os investimentos em P&D contribuem para o desempenho em qualidade do serviço prestado pelas distribuidoras.
Palavras-chave: Inovação. Pesquisa e desenvolvimento. Desempenho. Setor elétrico. ABSTRACT Electrical energy is becoming more relevant as technology advances and consolidates in our society. Growing demand for electricity and emerging technology generations, such as the 4.0 industry and smart cities, demand from energy distributors greater supply capacity and better supply conditions. To remain viable in the long-term and competitive in this dynamic sector, energy distributors need to perceive and adapt to these transformations, promoting innovative initiatives that contribute to the improvement of their performance. That is one of the Research and Development Program (R&D) of the Brazilian power sector proposals, which in line with other global innovation initiatives, intends to improve services in the sector. While some studies suggest that R&D investments contribute to the performance of distributors, others argue that there is no relationship and that such investments are made only for regulatory reasons. Therefore, this study examines how R&D investment affects the performance of electric power distributors, viewed here from three perspectives: 1) economic and financial, 2) quality of service, and 3) technical losses. This research uses the multiple regression analysis techniques with panel data from 59 Brazilian distributors, between 2011 and 2016, collected from ANEEL. Results indicate that investment in R&D contributes positively and significantly to the economic-financial performance of the distributors. Similarly, the results reveal that investment in R&D reduces energy losses. This research, however, does not provide sufficient evidence that R&D investment contributes to a better quality of services.