Fatores determinantes para formação e sobrevivência de um cluster de conhecimento: um estudo a partir das pequenas empresas de base tecnológica

Abstract

This thesis aimed to identify factors that explain the creation of small technology-based companies and their relation to the formation and survival of existing knowledge cluster in the city of Sao Jose dos Campos. The concept of knowledge has been discussed in various forms as well as the formation of a cluster of knowledge and some implications for local and national economies. The theme technological entrepreneurship and its inseparable relationship of knowledge and innovation, and Small Technology Based Companies (PEBTs) in forming a cluster of knowledge, were analyzed in order to contribute to the expansion of knowledge of the area. To achieve the objectives proposed in this study we chose a qualitative research, using as data collection techniques, a focal group and in-depth interviews, developed in three stages. In the first stage it was conducted five interviews with representatives of public, private and academic areas. The second stage was developed through a focus group with the participation of six people representing the academic, corporate, government and institutional environment. And the third step, in-depth interviews with ten entrepreneurs, owners of small technology-based companies (PEBTs). All data were recorded, transcribed and analyzed based on the technique of content analysis with the help of Atlas-ti software. As a result of research we could identify the factors involved in the creation of small technology-based companies and the formation and survival of knowledge cluster in São José dos Campos. The main results indicate the existence of two different ecosystems governing these processes: institutional ecosystem and cultural ecosystem factors beyond the technological entrepreneurship and scientific knowledge. The first ecosystem is critical to the creation of the cluster and can be induced by means of planned investment, regardless of the local development condition, and at a time defined by the investment level. The second ecosystem is composed of cultural elements and therefore the one that represents the biggest differences between the core countries and the peripheral countries and demand the adoption of longer-term strategies to overcome them, representing the biggest barrier to cluster survival. It is clear from the results that there is a cluster of expertise in São José dos Campos, whose characteristic that identifies compared to the success of clusters is their specialization in a sector that focuses high-tech, the aeronautical sector. The formation of the cluster of knowledge on the city allows the constant creation of new technologies and differentiation and recognition of the region as the holder of a knowledge capable of generating added sustainable development value, regardless of the number of barriers to formation of these clusters linked to intangible aspects such as culture, history, relationships, social rules, friends and family.