The construction of the concept of information for innovation

Introduction: in the face of rapid technological, economic, and social changes, innovation has become crucial for organizational competitiveness and sustainability. Information plays a strategic role in enabling innovation by supporting decision-making and fostering creative solutions. Objective: this study aims to develop a robust definition of “information for innovation,” identifying its key characteristics and clarifying its role in organizational innovation processes. Methodology: a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted using six major databases in Information Science. The search covered publications from 2014 to 2023 in Portuguese and English, resulting in 1,334 initial records. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 57 relevant articles were analyzed in-depth. Results: the analysis identified recurring themes such as products, processes, knowledge, information sources, competitiveness, patents, and customer insights. Information for innovation was characterized as dynamic, complex, relevant, timely, high-quality, and beneficial. It involves both internal and external sources, including employees, R&D, suppliers, customers, universities, patents, and market trends. Effective management and integration of these diverse information sources are crucial to drive innovation and gain competitive advantage. Conclusion: the study proposes that information for innovation is a strategic resource that supports all stages of the innovation process, from identifying opportunities to implementing solutions. The concept developed contributes to the theoretical framework of Information Science and offers practical insights for organizations aiming to leverage information to foster innovation and sustainable growth.