Theoretical and descriptive analysis of information literacy in the context of the innovation ecosystem of Rio Grande do Norte.
Innovation; industrial competitiveness; innovation ecosystem; information literacy.
Information is a collective and strategic asset that plays a central role in the functioning of innovation ecosystems, as it supports the articulation among different actors, qualified decision-making, and the creation of collaborative environments aimed at territorial development. In Brazil, initiatives such as Local Innovation Ecosystems have sought to strengthen this dynamic by promoting connections between government, companies, academia, and civil society. However, the critical appropriation of information by managers operating in these environments remains a challenge, particularly regarding its strategic use for innovation-related decisions and the institutionalization of collaborative practices. In this context, information literacy emerges as an indispensable skill, fostering the ability of individuals and institutions to locate, evaluate, and strategically use data. This research aimed to investigate how information literacy influences access to and use of strategic information by the Innovation, Science and Technology Commission of FIERN (COINCITEC/FIERN) and its sectoral actors within the Local Innovation Ecosystem of Natal. The study was characterized as a single case, qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive, based on documentary and field analysis, with the application of a questionnaire to institutional representatives. The results revealed that information is widely recognized as a competitive advantage, but its strategic use still faces barriers such as lack of technological tools, low professional training, limited time for analysis, and absence of a data-driven organizational culture. The role of the Comission was perceived as relevant for information circulation and decision-making support, although the need for greater systematization and strengthening of informational governance was highlighted. It is concluded that information literacy is a strategic collective asset for strengthening the innovation ecosystem, being essential for consolidating collaborative practices, evidence-based decisions, and public policies oriented toward territorial transformation.