Processo de aquisição de conhecimento externo em PMES: o que se pode aprender com PMES coreanas do setor de TI

Abstract

In view of the growing relevance of studies on absorptive capacity in SMEs and the low frequency of studies carried out in different contexts, the question that guides this research is: What can be learned about the process of acquiring external knowledge in SMEs, the from analyzing this phenomenon in Brazilian and Korean SMEs operating in sectors with information technology base? The objective of this dissertation is to deepen the knowledge about the knowledge acquisition process in SMEs based on the analysis of this process in Korean and Brazilian SMEs in the IT sector. It opted a literature review to address the notion of absorptive capacity, especially its Acquisition stage, in order to analyze evidence of the performance of Brazilian SMEs in this field. The investigation of the process of acquiring external knowledge in Korean SMEs was carried out with online interviews with managers and innovation developers working in 7 Korean SMEs. From the results, it was identified that the importance of acquiring external knowledge becomes extremely important for an SME to be able to deliver solutions to its customers. As for the relevance of external sources for knowledge acquisition, it was observed both in the environment of Korean SMEs, and in the context of the literature on SMEs, that partnerships formed with actors in the same production chain, especially customers and suppliers, are the most relevant and effective processes in the acquisition of external knowledge. Finally, it sought to identify what could be learned from the performance of Korean SMEs in the IT sector, both in the context of the institutional and business relationships of SMEs, as well as in their individual strategies and operations. In practical terms, this study helps managers of Brazilian SMEs to think of better actions in relation to the process of acquiring external knowledge through Korean SMEs.