Aprendizagem cumulativa como fonte de inovação: o caso de uma grande empresa do setor de higiene pessoal, perfumaria e cosméticos no Brasil

Objective of the study: To identify and analyze the evidence of the learning processes such as “learn by doing”, “learn by usage” and “learn by interacting” as a source of innovation in a large company in the Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Industry (CTF) within Brazil.Methodology/approach: A qualitative study was carried out, using a data collection procedure based on interviews with employees of a large company in the CTF industry within Brazil.Originality/Relevance: A company that seeks innovation is not restricted solely by Research and Development (RD), but must also consider, as a source of innovation, the continuous learning by its internal and external environment which provides it with a tacit knowledge that differentiates it from its competitors. Despite the CTF sector being one of the most important in the world, with Brazil being one of its biggest players, there is a lack of published articles for this sector, which address the issues of the learning process as a source of innovation.Main results: The results show the existence of the learning process as a source of innovation in formal and informal routines, especially for “learning by interacting”, in generating pioneering innovations in the selected company.Theoretical/methodological contributions: Discuss and demonstrate the role of cumulative learning as a source of innovation for companies.Social contributions / for management: It is hoped that this study will motivate future studies in the pursuit to highlight the role of cumulative learning in generating innovation in companies.