THE RELEVANCE OF INTER – ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND INNOVATION IN MSMES DURING THE COVID – 19 PANDEMIC CRISIS

Resumo (EN)

This article analyzes the relevance of collaoration and innovation in inter-organizational
relationships in small companies (MSMEs), searching for actions that minimize the negative effects of the crisis generated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The task is important because of small companies' social and economic relevance in countries. In addition, reacting to crises has become an increasingly task for managers of small enterprises. We used the results of a survey with 763 MSMEs from 6 Brazilian states, developed by universities participating in the Iberoamerican MSME Observatory in 2021. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistical analysis. Instead of the literature, the results indicate that entrepreneurs do not form and do not increase partnerships in the face of the crisis and do not carry out innovations linked to these relationships. The results contradict the experts who claim that collaboration and collective innovation are the dominant strategic response for MSMEs in crisis situations. Data show that
the innovations developed by the companies had a mainly individual and internal character. The article contributes to deepening the understanding of the relevant factors considered by entrepreneurs in crisis situations and indicates the need for reflection on public support policies since companies that received support or collaboration did not have significantly better results.