Abstract

CANO SALGADO, Martha Patricia; BELLO BALTAZAR, Eduardo  and  BARBA, Everardo. Social innovation and organizational capacity of fishing cooperatives in Balancan, Tabasco, Mexico. Estud. soc [online]. 2012, vol.20, n.39, pp.65-98. ISSN 0188-4557.

This investigation focuses on the dilemma triggered by an environmental problem caused by invasive species of the fish "Plecos", affecting the economic capacity of the fishing cooperatives of the Rios subregion in the watershed of the Usumacinta River in the municipality of Balancan, Tabasco, Mexico. The aim of this study was to characterize the organizational capacity of three fishing cooperatives and how to use this invasive species "Plecos" as a measure of technological innovation. Therefore, two research criteria were established based on technological and organizational levels, with which a characterization graph was performed indicating the organizational capacity of the three fishing cooperatives; four numerical scales were used: undesirable situation (1); regular situation (2); good situation (3) and optimal situation (4), with which we make a comparison and could define that the cooperative San Pedro is the one that has the characteristics of organization to carry out the technological innovation by using the species plecos (Pterygoplich-thys spp.). Finally, the analysis of the fishing cooperatives under the organizational development approach reveals that a good organizational capacity, translated into levels of technology and organization, facilitates openness to new technological innovations and in this particular case, the use of "Plecos" (Pterygoplichthys spp.).

Keywords : organizational capacity; fishing cooperatives; innovation technology; Pterygoplichthys spp.; Balancán; Tabasco.