Unprecedented research released this Sunday (24) by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) shows that 47% of Brazilian industries have projects or formal action plans in eco-innovation. According to the Special Survey: Eco-innovation and Digital Transformation, 30% of companies have work underway and another 17% have projects approved to begin. The data also reveals that 28% of companies are carrying out initial studies on the topic and 19% are not carrying out any eco-innovation actions at the moment.
The research reveals that, among the industries that are part of the Business Mobilization for Innovation (MEI) – a group coordinated by the CNI made up of more than 500 companies – eco-innovation is already a reality. According to the data, 78% of companies that are part of MEI have action plans or eco-innovation projects underway; another 7% have projects approved but not started; 9% are in the study phase; and 5% do not take any action in this area.
The president of CNI, Robson Braga de Andrade, states that, despite a positive situation, the speed of adoption of eco-innovation could be greater in the country. “There are signs that the process is expanding. The challenge now is to support small companies to embark on this journey, a trend that will inevitably be part of the strategic plans of Brazilian industry”, he highlights.
“In Brazil, large industries, especially a subgroup engaged in Business Mobilization for Innovation activities, have led investments and results in eco-innovation. Medium-sized companies have also stood out, starting to invest in green innovation”, adds Robson Andrade.
Eco-innovation as a trend towards decarbonization
CNI’s research will be presented at the 10th International Industry Innovation Congress, which will take place on the 27th and 28th of this month, at São Paulo Expo. Held by CNI in partnership with Sebrae, this is the largest innovation event in Latin America. This edition will have the theme of eco-innovation and will bring together Brazilian and international experts to debate the subject and propose guidelines for a national eco-innovation strategy for Brazilian industry. The last registrations for the Congress are open and can be made here.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines eco-innovation as innovation that results in reduced environmental impact. This is a global trend that is promoting changes in companies’ business models and has become fundamental for the construction of new sustainability and competitiveness parameters for the industrial sector, in Brazil and around the world.
Eco-innovations can be either technological, through new products or production processes, or non-technological innovations, with marketing methods, organizational or institutional innovations. For CNI, this is a trend with no return and is essential for the survival and competitiveness of companies around the world, as policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and waste generation advance. .
Qualification of workers is a challenge for eco-innovation
The research reveals that the biggest challenge for structuring eco-innovation in the industry is the lack of qualified workers to work with the topic. Budget restrictions (33%) are the main barrier to qualifying professionals to work with eco-innovation. Next, there is a need to invest in other strategic areas (29%), company structure/culture (18%), limited time available for training (20%) and low employee engagement (12%).
The study also reveals that, for 66% of those interviewed, workers lack knowledge of sustainable techniques and, for 45%, they lack knowledge of environmental legislation. 38% consider that professionals lack the competence to manage and develop eco-innovation projects.
The main challenges faced by companies when recruiting professionals for eco-innovation are finding professionals experienced in sustainability (36%) and professionals updated in environmental technologies (36%).
Asked about what strategy the company has adopted to fill gaps and promote eco-innovation, 76% of respondents stated that they have invested in employee training; 31%, in participation in collaborative networks; and 24% in the outsourcing of information and communication technology (ICT) projects, functions and initiatives.
CNI’s Director of Innovation, Gianna Sagazio, warns that investment in training and requalification of employees in eco-innovation, dissemination of knowledge about environmental legislation, and implementation of open innovation strategies is already a reality in many industries. “However, it is necessary to include more companies in this reality, especially small ones, which have fewer resources to sustain their eco-innovation journeys without support”, she points out.
“It is essential that there are public policies and private initiatives that align incentives with the goal of eco-innovation, with special care for small companies. This will not only contribute to environmental sustainability, but also to increasing the competitiveness of Brazilian products and services in global markets”, adds Gianna Sagazio.
Digital transformation in industrial companies
The research also reveals that 33% of companies have a formal action plan/projects underway for Digital Transformation (DT). The main needs to promote digital transformation are knowledge in ICTs (64%), mathematics, statistics, engineering and applied sciences (39%), multimedia (32%), project management and development (54%), mastery English language skills (36%), management/leadership skills (39%) and ability to work in a team (21%).
Asked about what strategy their company has adopted to fill skills gaps to promote digital transformation, interviewees mentioned staff training (75%), outsourcing of projects, functions and initiatives in ICT (54%), participation in collaborative networks ( 54%) and adoption of alternative work arrangements (25%). The main barriers to qualifying workers for TD are budget restrictions (35%), company structure and culture (29%) and limited time available for training (27%).
How was the research done?
CNI interviewed 2,236 managers from industrial companies between January 1st and 10th, 2023.
Main research data
Eco-innovation
30% – Has a formal action plan/projects underway
28% – Are carrying out initial studies
17% – Has projects approved, but not started
19% – Not taking any action
What skills do employees lack for your company to promote eco-innovation?
66% – Knowledge of sustainable techniques
45% – Knowledge of environmental legislation
38% – Manage and develop projects
What strategy has your company adopted to fill gaps and promote eco-innovation?
24% – Outsourcing of ICT projects, functions and initiatives
76% – Employee training
31% – Participation in collaborative networks
What is the main challenge your company faces when recruiting professionals for eco-innovation?
36% – Find experienced sustainability professionals
36% – Find professionals up to date in environmental technologies
What is the main barrier to qualifying employees in your company in eco-innovation?
33% – Budget constraints
18% – Company structure and culture
20% – Limitation of time available for training
12% – Low employee engagement
29% – Need to invest in other strategic areas
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