Sustainable Innovation in Railway Companies

Abstract

The competitiveness of companies can be favored through practices aimed at innovation, especially when associated with sustainability. In the railway sector, innovation occurs from operational improvements, cost reduction and expansion of services provided. In this sense, the objective of this study is to point out the importance of innovation in the context of railway companies. The method used is a qualitative approach, with a descriptive and explanatory outlining. For data collection, interviews were conducted with three professionals who work in a company in the railway sector in the state of São Paulo. In the studied company, there is a directioning of actions based on sustainability in order to improve the performance of operational activities. The importance of investments in projects that emphasize the use of alternative materials and respect the planet's support capacity, such as the adoption of a renewable fuel, is emphasized. The study carried out demonstrated the potential for generating innovation applied to the Brazilian railway network, however, it is necessary to guide innovation in the process of the company's operations to mitigate environmental impacts.