Hubs de inovação no setor da construção civil: lições das experiências nacionais e internacionais para o ecossistema do Ceará.

Abstract

This study is situated within the context of innovation in the construction industry, which is characterized by structural, institutional, and coordination challenges among different stakeholders. Accordingly, it aims to analyze the experiences of construction innovation hubs in national and international contexts, focusing on their structures, articulation models, and challenges faced, in order to extract lessons learned and formulate recommendations to strengthen the construction innovation ecosystem in the state of Ceará, Brazil. To achieve this objective, a qualitative and descriptive approach is adopted, using as methodological procedures a literature review on innovation ecosystems, governance, and innovation in the construction industry, field research conducted through semi-structured interviews with strategic actors in the sector, and a comparative analysis of nationally and internationally recognized innovation hubs. The results indicate that, although Ceará has relevant stakeholders and isolated innovation initiatives, the ecosystem exhibits a low level of articulation, fragmented governance, and the absence of clearly defined anchor institutions, which compromises the continuity and effectiveness of innovative actions. It is also observed that innovation in the sector is predominantly incremental and reactive, facing cultural, organizational, and institutional barriers. In contrast, the national and international hubs analyzed demonstrate that structured governance models, clear decision-making processes, and stronger integration among companies, universities, and government contribute to more mature and innovative ecosystems. Finally, it is concluded that strengthening the construction innovation ecosystem in Ceará requires the institutionalization of governance, the enhancement of relationships among actors, and the promotion of a collaborative and long-term innovation culture.