Productivity challenges industry in Paraná and drives innovation

The growth in industrial production in Paraná in June brought a positive sign for the sector, but the numbers for the first half of the year show that the industry's challenge goes far beyond producing more again. The focus now is to produce better. Data released in August by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) show that industrial production in Paraná grew 2.8% in June, above the national average of 1.7%. In the first half of the year, however, the state recorded a decline of 0.6%, while Brazil accumulated an increase of 1.5%, indicating that the recovery of activity is still occurring unevenly. For experts, this scenario reinforces a topic that is increasingly present on companies' agendas: productivity. In an environment marked by high interest rates, more expensive credit and more selective investments, gaining efficiency has become one of the main ways to preserve competitiveness. "The prolonged period of high interest rates reduced the pace of investment and increased the cost of capital for companies. In this context, increasing productivity becomes an even more important strategy to offset costs, increase efficiency and strengthen competitiveness", analyzes the economist at the Federation of Industries of Paraná (Fiep), Evânio Felippe. More than technology Although automation and digitalization are often associated with increased productivity, experts argue that the gains begin before the purchase of new machines. According to the deputy coordinator of Fiep's Thematic Innovation Council for Industry, Jackson Bisi, productivity is the result of the integration between people, processes, management, technology, equipment and relationships with suppliers and customers. Technology enhances results, but only when it is part of a structured company evolution strategy. Automation, digitalization and continuous improvement are among the strategies adopted by industries to produce more with greater efficiency. Gelson Bampi. The first step, according to him, is to identify bottlenecks that compromise business performance. Rework, unnecessary movements, communication failures between areas, waste and poorly integrated processes represent losses that often go unnoticed in day-to-day operations. This vision also expands the role of digital transformation. Instead of just incorporating new tools, more productive companies structure data-based processes, invest in team qualifications and develop a culture of continuous improvement. Invest better to grow Industrial production data helps explain why this discussion is gaining momentum. Sectors more dependent on investments, such as machinery and equipment and electrical materials, recorded a decline in the first half of the year, reflecting a more restrictive economic environment. At the same time, segments such as motor vehicles and petroleum derivatives supported part of the state industry's performance. For Bisi, this behavior demonstrates that productivity and innovation begin to play a decisive role in companies' ability to react. "Even in a challenging economic scenario, companies that are able to modernize processes, reduce waste and incorporate technologies in a planned manner tend to respond better to market changes. Productivity is an increasingly strategic factor for the sustainable growth of the industry", he states. Technology, credit and business in one place Entrepreneurs interested in accelerating this process will have access to practical solutions during Expo+ Indústria 2026, which takes place from August 25th to 27th, in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba. The program brings together demonstrations of technologies focused on automation, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, process digitalization, management software, traceability, predictive maintenance and energy efficiency. The event will also offer lectures, business rounds, guidance on credit lines for innovation and productivity and spaces dedicated to exchanges between companies and industrial solution providers. Promoted by Fiep, co-organized by Sesi, Senai and IEL, the fair was structured to serve companies of different sizes and industrial segments, offering content focused on digital transformation, competitiveness and innovation. Expo+ Indústria 2026 Service ? August 25th to 27th ? Expotrade Convention Center – Metropolitan Region of Curitiba ? Free registration: www.expomaisindustria.com.br