Technology and innovation management and its integration with process analysis at the Central Rum Factory

Abstract

Introduction. Today, innovation is considered an essential element for socio-economic development, its efficient management being decisive to achieve the success of the innovative process. In particular, Cuba is faced with the pressing need to achieve a higher level of excellence that allows it, in some cases, to insert itself in new and more demanding markets and, in others, to complement itself under principles of solidarity. However, this is not a widespread practice in the industry. Methods. Process analysis and synthesis methods of the chemical and fermentative industry are used. Results. With the evaluation of the technological proposals, favorable technical and economic results are obtained, for the small improvements and the incremental ones, such as the changes in the extractions and the design of the recovery column, as well as the radical ones with the distillation of brandy and the use of renewable energy sources. Conclusion. The methodology developed for the management of technology, innovation and its integration with complex process analysis constitutes a novel tool for the prospective development, business efficiency, and social relevance of Cuba Ron SA, allowing for its systematic and progressive application in the rum producing industry.