Interorganizational Networks: innovation in services from the implementation of electronic ticketing in public transportation companies in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre.

Abstract

This paper presents the results of research in an interorganizational network of urban public transportation on the electronic ticketing system developed by the Association that links public transportation companies in the metropolitan Porto Alegre. The methodology includes a qualitative analysis of poorly known and - defined variables characterized by intangibles, which inhibit the formulation of hypotheses, as well as considering the complex aspects that make up the organizational setting. The data were obtained from secondary data registered in documents and primary data from interviews with managers of the associated firms, and were systematically analyzed by content. The interviewees for this study were the executive manager of the Transportation Association, the information technology coordinator of the management consortium, the project coordinator and the director of transportation for the managing company. The results of the interviews were classified into categories, creating interlinking information on each theme proposed in the initial categories. The results suggest that the electronic ticketing system constitutes an innovation produced from operational improvements in control and structural processes in the associated companies. The stimuli for innovation and the formation of the association include cost and risk sharing, economies of scale through working in a network, public pressure for improvement without increase of costs, loss of income caused by alternative means of transportation and the requirement for high levels of finance, technology and staff, which would be unviable in individual companies.