Trajetórias de acumulação de capacidade tecnológica e modos de aprendizagem

While technology innovation and learning research draw considerable interest, most studies neglect low- and medium-tech (LMT) industries, which comprise over 70% of the GDP in emerging economies like Brazil. This study bridges that gap by analyzing technological capability accumulation and learning modes within the Brazilian clothing industry. Based on qualitative, longitudinal research with two Brazilian clothing firms, the findings reveal similar trajectories. Both firms advanced from production technological capability (Level 1) to intermediate innovation (Level 3) in management and product. In production organization and equipment, they reached basic innovation (Level 2), with varied speeds of accumulation. Firms primarily relied on the DUI (Doing, Using, and Interacting) learning mode, largely underutilizing STI (Science, Technology, and Innovation) mechanisms. The study underscores the significance of effectively managing learning modes by employing both STI and DUI learning in tandem to facilitate the development of innovation activities and, consequently, technological capabilities.