Social Networks and Knowledge Transfer in Technological Park Companies in Brazil

This paper aims to propose a framework for a digital social network designed to support the knowledge transfer for innovation among companies located in a Technology Park of Florianopolis, in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. From a methodological point of view, the study is characterized by a qualitative approach and it was developed in three phases: (1) definition of the assumptions, requirements, functionalities and strategies for use of the social network; (2) development of the prototype for the social network and; (3) focus group sessions. The research data were analyzed using content analysis techniques. As for the results, this paper identifies four main pillars for the conception of digital social networks in the context of the technology park: types of knowledge; transmitters and receivers of knowledge, context for knowledge transfer and the nature of the knowledge transfer.