Arranjo produtivo local, inovação e sustentabilidade: um estudo sobre estamparias e tinturarias no Vale do Rio Itajaí Mirim (Santa Catarina - Brasil)

Abstract

This dissertation in Economics and Development aims to evaluate the dimensions of environmental innovation, sustainable development and corporate sustainability in printing and dyeing in the hydrographic region of the Itajaí Mirim river in four municipalities of Santa Catarina, Brazil, through the interpretation of the territory as a local productive arrangement. The method used is a quali-quanti approach, analyzing data to understand the relevance of employment, locational quotient and institutional participation, and applying questionnaires to contextualize environmental management, understand sustainability, environmental innovation and environmental impacts in the sector. The dissertation reviews theoretical traditions of the evolutionary approach, highlighting the importance of the economy as a complex system beyond conventional models. Regulated companies adhere to proper treatment of the water used, demonstrating the importance of regulatory and certifying bodies to raise the quality of companies in terms of sustainability. Although there is a strong dedication of companies to the correct disposal of waste, the lack of employee engagement is a factor that hinders this practice. A lack of engagement in the production of knowledge on the part of the printing and dyeing factories is identified, while the dyeing factories manifest to produce knowledge on demand. Innovation in these sectors occurs mainly through the replacement of machinery to improve the efficiency of the production process. Smaller companies demonstrate disinterest in recovering degraded areas, while larger companies invest in forest maintenance and reforestation. The results of this research can support public policies and more sustainable business practices, aiming at reducing the environmental impacts of the textile industry in the studied region.