The Brazilian Wine Industry: a case study on geographical proximity and innovation dynamics

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the cooperation and learning processes in the local system of vitiviniculture production of Serra Gaúcha's region (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil), in order to characterize the dynamics of innovation of the firms located there. In methodological terms, a non-probabilistic exploratory study has been conducted. Field research in 20 wineries as well as interviews with related organizations were carried out in order to understand which learning mechanisms support innovative strategies adopted by enterprises. Since learning processes are also the result of local interactions, it was necessary to understand whether these interactions produced cooperative links. The results showed that innovations made by the firms were basically incremental. To do so, they use their intrinsic learning processes as well as external agents. These agents can be located in the region or elsewhere. The geographical proximity becomes more relevant for smaller firms. It was still possible to perceive the existence of cooperation in both vertical and horizontal level. Most frequent actions of vertical cooperation occur especially between firms and their suppliers. When horizontal cooperation occurs between enterprises, it takes place particularly in international trading.

Proximity as determinant of business cooperation for technological and non-technological innovations: a study of an agribusiness cluster

“…First, the proposal for establishing proximity put forth by Boschma ( 2005) is used, and a positive relationship between different types of non-spatial proximity and interorganizational business cooperation is expected (Balland, 2012;Albert-Cromarias and Asselineau, 2013;Cassi and Plunket, 2014;Dries et al, 2014;Molina-Morales et al, 2014;Farias and Tatsch, 2014;Cassi et al, 2015;Bouba-Olga et al, 2015;Lazzeretti and Capone, 2016). In parallel, this approach considers the interrelations between different types of proximity, such as discussed in the literature review.…”

Does the Geographical Proximity Matter in Knowledge and Information Flow? A study about wine cluster in the Southern region of Brazil

“…As it can be observed in Figure 5, Farias and Tatsch (2014) that points out that wineries from this region of RS establish with IFRS's Bento Gonçalves Campus a relation purely of hiring trainees and former students of its courses, existing a clear gap in the relation of this institution with actors from the Cluster, especially regarding research and extension activities. In order to better understand firms' positions in the knowledge network, Table 3 was elaborated, informing characteristics of some attributes of the firm and its cognitive role in the knowledge network.…”

“…Farias and Tatsch (2014) Wine Cluster from the mountain region of Rio Grande do Sul, in the South of Brazil…”

“…Aprovale counts with 29 associated wineries, which represent 20% of RS's fine wine production, besides 35 tourism-supporting enterprises. Vale dos Vinhedos was chosen as the object for this study due to its importance to the wine sector, the existing productive specialization and the institutionalism present there, whether they are teaching and research or representation organizations (FENSTERSEIFER, 2007;FARIAS and TATSCH, 2014). The wines produced at Vale dos Vinhedos are the only ones around the country to present the indication of origin and designation of origin seal (since 2002 and 2011, respectively), 9 which are quality assurances of the wines produced there.…”

Fluxos De Conhecimento E Proximidades Das Firmas Do Cluster Vinícola Da Região Sul Do Brasil: Quais São Os Laços Estabelecidos E Quão Extensos São?

“…A APROVALE possui 29 vinícolas associadas, que representam 20% da produção de vinhos finos do RS, além de 35 empreendimentos de apoio ao turismo. Optou-se pelo Vale dos Vinhedos como objeto do estudo dada a sua importância para o setor vitivinícola, pela especialização produtiva existente e pela institucionalidade ali presente, seja de organizações de representação, seja de ensino e de pesquisa (VARGAS, 2002;FENSTERSEIFER, 2007;FARIAS;TATSCH, 2014 Acredita-se, assim, que a contribuição do trabalho está em oferecer evidências empíricas que contribuam para o entendimento da dinâmica da inovação por meio da compreensão da troca de conhecimentos e o papel das proximidades em clusters industriais.…”