Abstract

This research proposes to investigate the Innovation Index in one of the largest clusters of metal fittings in Brazil. The work construction occurs through a case analysis. The collection and evaluation of data consists of a research tool, for evaluating the efforts and results in the innovation process, which includes the investments in human resources, research and development, financial investment, organizational configuration, organizational culture, management practices of technology and innovation, and, the degree of maturity in the innovation processes. The maximum degree of innovation is represented by 1, comprising 0.5 of efforts index and 0.5 of results index. The research results reveal the Innovation Index of the cluster, and identified some weaknesses in the researched areas and subareas. Moreover, the results show that this research helps decision-making and allows managers of firms to consider alternative innovative solutions to their business and the cluster's development, thus, reflecting in the social and regional development.

Key words: Innovation, metal fitting cluster, regional development.