Strategic drivers of innovation as a lever for the competitiveness of agribusiness to face COVID-19

Purpose - This work sought to analyze targeted innovation strategies used during the pandemic to maintain companies’ competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach - The methodology was a systematic literature review, analyzing how these factors can be used as leverage in decision-making and suggesting a framework tool. Findings - As a result, nine factors were identified as drivers to stimulate competitiveness, bringing insights to structure actions in times of crisis to support agribusiness. Research limitations/implications - With this work, it is possible that other companies can base themselves and use the strategic drivers of innovation evidenced to remain competitive in the market during a period of crisis. As this is a systematic review of the literature, the application of a case study, for example, is a limitation, which could be a continuation of the work. Practical implications - As this is a systematic review of the literature, the application of a case study, for example, is a limitation, which could be a continuation of the work. Originality/value - This work has high value because it brings insights into strategic drivers of innovation that tend to leverage or maintain the competitiveness of agribusinesses in times of crisis. With the discussion carried out on the data obtained, it is possible that agribusinesses or other types of companies can be based for decision-making in a crisis scenario from innovative actions that generate competitive advantage.