Basic Industrial Technology in the Metal-Mechanical Sector: An Exploratory Study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

This paper analyzes the Infrastructural Technologies (IT) of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) of the metalworking sector in the Western Region of the Rio de Janeiro state in the context of the Brazilian System of Technology (Sibratec) and of the one of its regional technological extension networks called Sibratec-ET Rede RJ. The demand of companies is confronted with this offer of support in activities of standardization and technical regulation, metrology, as well as conformity and quality assessment. This is a qualitative, empirical and exploratory research based on the case study method. Confirming the literature, the results show the fragility of most companies regarding TIB competences. The analysis of the demands of the MSME vis-à-vis the offer of support from Sibratec Technological Extension revealed a positive correlation, favoured by the flexible format of this network. Futhermore, the Sibratec-RJ network was not successful in relation to its objectives, representing more like a potentially positive institutional arrangement than effective. In addition, the enterprises surveyed have taken neither notice of the existence of Sibratec-RJ, nor they have been visited by extension agents, which indicates a fertile field for debate from an impact assessment of this specific arrangement in other sectors or regions or even Sibratec as one all. The need for new research on these themes is confirmed, especially considering the national dimension of the system and its way of acting in different types of networks such as innovation centers, technological services and technological extension.