Title: Enhancing competencies in high technology companies: a Brazilian knowledge-based cluster

Authors: Marly Monteiro De Carvalho, Fernando Jose Barbin Laurindo

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 128 Tr.2 Bienio 2, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. ' Department of Production Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 128 Tr.2 Bienio 2, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil

Abstract: Knowledge-Based (KB) firms are playing a fundamental role to the economic development of regions and countries. Based on many international experiences, a series of governmental programmes and policies has been undertaken in Brazil aiming at supporting the development of KB companies and clusters. These companies focus on new product and process development and emphasise partnership, mainly with universities and other companies in the same cluster. To investigate the relationship among KB companies and the local innovative capacity, the adopted methodological approach encompasses secondary data collection; exploratory study and case studies. The map of competitive environment was based on secondary data collection and analysis. An exploratory study has been performed to find the main characteristics of entrepreneurs and firms through interviews with enterprises owners, researchers and also the coordinator of the local Science Park. Finally, three case studies were done in companies located in a region of Sao Paulo state.

Keywords: clusters; knowledge-based firms; competitive strategy; new product development; NPD; high technology firms; high tech firms; firm competencies; Brazil; innovation; entrepreneurship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2006.011072

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2006 Vol.7 No.6, pp.617 - 627

Published online: 07 Oct 2006 *

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