Technological Cooperation for Sustainable Innovation and Competitiveness in the Biological Control of Pests

The paper investigates the case of a Brazilian enterprise that, after introducing sustainable innovation for the biological control of pests in soybean and sugarcane crops, has been recognized as one of the world’s most innovative companies. Therefore, it attempts to demystify the belief that sustainability is contrary to competitiveness; therefore, the objective was to verify the relationship between sustainable innovation and competitiveness based on a case study. The data were collected with interviews and bibliographical and documental research. It was observed that environmental, economic and social benefits attained with the main innovations developed by the enterprise as compared to traditional methods (chemical pesticides) in pest control are linked strategically to its competitiveness. Cooperation between the industry and universities reinforces the development of sustainable innovations in addition to increasing business competitiveness.