Value co-creation and performance within Brazilian innovation environments

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to analyse value co-creation in innovative firms within innovation environments (IEs) in the south region of Brazil from a processual and dynamic perspective, including its antecedents, initiatives and its outcomes in the multiple facets of the firms’ performance. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative and quantitative multi-method study was carried out with the management and support teams of these IEs, as well as with a sample of 91 companies installed. Findings The results helped clarify the value co-creation process in IEs of an emerging economy, suggesting under which conditions and how value co-creation practices are performed and its significant role in specific performance dimensions of companies. Research limitations/implications The study contributes to companies and IEs within emerging economies to prioritize practices related to the co-creation of value to enhance their results. Originality/value In emerging countries, IEs struggle to apply their scarce resources to the development of hosted firms. Having value co-creation as a concept that presupposes the involvement of the beneficiary and other actors to improve the companies’ value proposition, its practice may constitute a valuable ally in this effort. However, the dynamics of value co-creation in such environments, its antecedents and specific outcomes are still unclear.