Promoting knowledge management in IMSEs: A study on the effects of the Zero Interest Program

Abstract

This descriptive research was conducted as a multiple case study and the data are analyzed qualitatively. The purpose is to investigate the effects of the FINEP (Research and Projects Financing Agency) Zero Interest Program regarding knowledge management in the IMSEs located in Santa Catarina state. The overall results indicate the following effects: social impact – evolution of the staff in the IMSEs and improvement between Total Sales and Gross Payroll; economic impact – improvement in the four variables analyzed (total sales and margins, and number of clients and market share) with the implementation of the financed innovative project; and impact on innovation – some companies registered trademarks and patents, which reveals the generation of knowledge through innovation and technological education, as well as knowledge management in the IMSEs. Thus, we can conclude that the Zero Interest Program fulfilled its strategic goals in Santa Catarina.