Innovation System in Public R&D Organizations in Agribusiness:
New Institutional Economics (N I E), Sustainable Fitter Equilibria, and Theory of Chaos
By Maria Lúcia D´Apice Paez
ABSTRACT
The aim of this paper is to propose a model to analyze and manage the scientific-technological innovation systems in public organizations dedicated to R&D in agribusiness, such Embrapa (Brazilian Corporation of Agricultural Research) though advances in economic theory under the terms of the NIE. The purpose is to identify parameters that can increase efficiency of strategic/operational management of Embrapa, in pursuit of sustainable competitiveness for Brazilian agribusiness, compatible with the R&D demands, the society welfare and the national development goals. The conceptual bases arose from Coase-Williamson-Penrose´s contributions, considering a "bounded determinism", derived from their assumptions of uncertainties of human behavior together with those of the external environments, affecting the governance modes. The boundaries of "firm-innovation systems" are assumed to be flexible, reaching "sustainable fitter" equilibria, strategically designed to "seek profits" over time, but made up of "remediable efficiencies" ("the fitter") which have a farsighted view and are organized as a discrete, comparative, economizing governance solution at a given moment and place. A hypothesis is raised that, independently of the breadth of the system under analysis, this logical "process" of equilibria can be repeated, but their "products" are specific to temporal and spatial contexts. The dynamic capabilities approach by Teece-Pisano-Shuen would give operational content to this model, and system simulations based on the theory of chaos can be used in near future. An applied model is outlined in the form of a research project, focusing in innovation subsystems" of fruit-growing, olericulture and aquaculture, coordinated by Embrapa at national level.
KEYWORDS: R&D production and transaction, system analysis, agribusiness
(aquibusiness)
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