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Relationships of scientific and technological production in research networks: the case of the Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO)

ABSTRACT

This research analyzed actors’ interactions in the Northeast Biotechnology Network (in Portuguese, RENORBIO), based on the study of their profile of scientific and technological production. RENORBIO is a pioneer in the Northeast region, since the creation of the Graduate Program in Biotechnology. Data collection consisted in searching information on bibliographic production (articles, books, and reports), technical production (patents), and spin-off records from research carried out in the 13 focal points. These represent the coordinations located in the main education and research institutions accredited in the Network, which comprise around 30 other institutions associated to RENORBIO, to identify the interactions between the network’s agents. To analyze the results, we processed data by using the UCINET software. The software was essential for studying the interactions among network agents, assisting to characterize technical and academic interactions within RENORBIO, based on the analysis of its actions of Technology Transfer; this allowed profiling this network in the light of the Theory of Social Networks. We identified that the Network has a ‘satellite’ topology, where a central network attracts and influences the research relationships between the actors of the other networks, which gravitate around it, creating a force of institutional attraction between them. It is a heterogeneous network, characterized by low density and wide flow of diverse interactions of its actors. In addition, it shows a strong representation of the innovations produced in the Northeast region, capable to affect directly or indirectly the socioeconomic condition of this region, and bring solutions for national problems in the area of biotechnology.

KEYWORDS:
Technology transfer; Cooperation networks; Biotechnology

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