Georeferencing networks and social network analysis: an exploratory study about the research and development projects of the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL)

Georreferenciamento de redes e análise de redes sociais: um estudo exploratório dos projetos de P&D Aneel

Abstract

The aim of this article is to investigate research and development (R&D) networks created under the scope of the R&D Programme implemented by the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (2006-2008). The main contribution of this article is its empirical analysis, drawing upon social network analysis and georeferencing to support the visualisation of the networks, as well as identify the location of actors and interactions in the Brazilian territory. We identified the features of the interactions with regards to their geographical location and distribution in the territory, as well as the main actors and their roles in the creation and circulation of knowledge based on R&D activities, and whether geographical proximity was present in the interactions. The results show that the networks are hierarchical, and electricity companies show a leading role in the governance of knowledge creation and circulation over external research organizations and project coordinators. Such companies interacted mainly with researchers based in regions where the capacity of research infrastructure has been consolidated.

Keywords:
ANEEL R&D; Social Networks Analysis; Georeferencing; Geographical Proximity