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The main highlight of the research is the interest of entrepreneurs in São Paulo for investments in innovation. By the end of 2019, this is the main target of 61.4% of those who want to win new markets. On the other hand, the most urgent need at the beginning of the year for 59.8% is resources for working capital. In this scenario, the demand for banks and development agencies should skyrocket in the coming months, being the first option for 43.4% of entrepreneurs looking for cheaper and long-term credit.
“The research makes it clear that despite the entrepreneur understanding the need for innovation to increase the competitiveness of his company, he still suffers the impacts of the crisis experienced in recent years, the credit market retraction, the tax burden and political-economic uncertainty. that is still being designed in the country”, says Rafael Bergamaschi, superintendent of Desenvolvimento SP.
At the same time that the investigation reveals bottlenecks that prevent more robust economic growth, notes Bergamaschi, it also points out ways that financial institutions can follow to diversify their portfolio and serve the private sector. “This is important data to understand the most urgent needs of entrepreneurs in order to offer assertive financial solutions. In the case of Desenvolvimento SP, a development agency, the offer of credit should not be random and its purpose is economic development with a focus on generating jobs and income”.
Check out the survey highlights below.
Profile
Desenvolvimento SP carried out a survey with entrepreneurs from São Paulo who were clients and non-clients of the institution through the application of a multiple-choice questionnaire. Of the 4,228 respondents, almost half (49%) represent companies in the service sector. Next comes commerce (32.1%), industry (16.1%) and agribusiness (2.8%).
Regarding the size of the enterprises, micro and small businesses totaled 84.6%, followed by startups (8.2%), medium-sized (6.7%) and large companies (0.5%).
Perceptions about innovation
It is noteworthy that most 46,6% entrepreneurs say they are at the forefront of an innovative business. In addition, 14.5% of respondents consider themselves to be very innovative, while 31.8% are ahead of a traditional business. Adding the so-called innovative groups, we have a very expressive number of 61.1%.
On the other hand, when asked about what they consider to be innovation, almost 40% of entrepreneurs understand it to be, in an isolated way, the “adoption of new technologies”, or the “creation and launch of revolutionary products or services” or “improvements in products, services or existing processes”. For 61.7%, an innovative company, however, is one that brings together all these alternatives. Which, perhaps, can explain the fact that many entrepreneurs do not identify themselves as innovators, despite, in practice, applying changes in their companies.
“Many entrepreneurs are still stuck with the idea that innovation must be disruptive, that is, that it is necessary to create something capable of changing market paradigms. However, it is possible to innovate by investing in the improvement of existing products or processes”, explains Bergamaschi.
bottlenecks and needs
It is a consensus for 69.7% of respondents that “being an innovative company is essential” for business competitiveness. On the other hand, when asked about the three main difficulties in investing in innovation, “obtaining new lines of credit and sources of financing”, “Tax burden, taxes, legislation, bureaucracy” and “Uncertainty about the future of Brazil” headed, in that order, , the complaints of entrepreneurs from São Paulo. “Companies that cannot maintain the financial health of their accounts will certainly not be able to advance in bolder initiatives”, says Bergamaschi.
It is also worth noting that of the companies that have already invested resources in innovation, 77.6% have detached from their own capital, 22.5 % obtained from private banks and 16.2% from public banks. Only 11.3% represent the sum of other options available on the market: subsidy; angel investor; seed capital; venture capital and investment fund.
“The entrepreneur from São Paulo still shows little knowledge in terms of seeking resources specifically designed to innovate. Today, there are many options available on the market, however, it is necessary to research and study which type is most suitable for each project, and where to knock on the door”, explains Bergamaschi.
When it comes to credit lines, the research shows that still in 2019, 43.4% of entrepreneurs will seek resources for business through loans with “banks and/or development agencies”, 35% with “retail banks” and only 11.3% have no intention of investing this year.
“We see this data with good eyes, since development institutions, such as Desenvolvimento SP, are able to operate much more attractive interest rates and payment terms, allowing small and medium-sized entrepreneurs to make planned investments that are more suited to their profile” , says Bergamaschi.
Innovative State
The innovative vocation of the State of São Paulo is confirmed through the growing funding from Desenvolvimento SP itself. After ten years of operations, the institution has established itself as one of the main development agencies in the country and also as a reference in the field of innovation for small and medium-sized companies. Last year, disbursements for innovative projects across the state grew by 9%, totaling R$ 57.7 million.
This innovative vocation was also reflected in the Desenvolvimento SP survey, which showed a number considered encouraging. Among São Paulo entrepreneurs, approximately 40% of the interviewees stated that they do not invest in research and development (R&D), but intend to start this activity in the company. In addition, more than 21% of them have their own research department in the company, or maintain partnerships with other institutions, such as universities and technology centers.
The numbers indicate a positive outlook for the State, despite a recent study (2018), prepared by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which shows that Brazilian companies still invest little in R&D, with the government responsible for most of it. of these investments. While in developed countries, the opposite occurs: the private sector is responsible for more than two thirds of R&D projects.
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