Innovation Environment In Smes Of Metalmechanic, Automotive And Autoparts Industry Of The Southeast Region Of Coahuila, Mexico (Ambiente De Innovacion En Las Pymes De La Industria Metalmecanica, Automotriz Y Autopartes, De La Region Sureste De Coahuila, Mexico)

The aim of this research was to assess innovation environments in small and medium-sized companies in the metalmechanical, automotive and autoparts sectors of the southeastern region of Coahuila. The study is descriptive. Its design is non-experimental and transversal. An instrument with six dimensions was applied: Research and Development; Surveillance and Identification of Opportunities of the Environment; Alliances and Collaborations; Innovation Strategy; Innovation Management and Acquisition and Transfer of Innovation Capabilities. The sample includes 83 representative firms. WE find that companies are in a weakened state, resulting from a weak strategy and lack of innovation management. Micro and small companies show weakened stages. We conclude there exists a positive relationship between the development of R&D and firm size. The most depressed dimensions in small and medium enterprises are surveillance and identification of opportunities in the environment, strategy of innovation and innovation management. This situation points to the existence of problems in strategic implementation. Small and medium-sized companies need minimum organizational conditions to ensure measurable progress