How can a family firm break institutional barriers, innovate, and operate globally?

Mizumoto, Fabio and Discua Cruz, Allan (2025) How can a family firm break institutional barriers, innovate, and operate globally? In: Technology and Innovation in Latin America : The Need for a Turning Point. Emerald Publishing Limited, pp. 293-314. ISBN 9781837977482

Abstract

In Latin-America, the agribusiness sector is one of the most important industries as it is driven by innovation, technology, and families but also challenged by institutional barriers. Drawing from an institutional logic perspective, we delve into how a family firm in Latin-America can adapt and overcome institutional challenges. This study focuses on a unique case of a family business in the agribusiness sector in Latin-America-Grupo Sarabia, Brazil-that has addressed contextual pressures through innovation and internationalization. We propose that managing tensions between state, market, and family logics may rely on an intergenerational approach to innovation and internationalization. When doing so, family firms may cross country borders supported by innovative products and services overtime.