COOPERATIVE RESEARCH NETWORKS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR INNOVATION: MINING BIOTECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS DOI: 10.5585/RAI.2010320

Abstract

This paper addresses "Cooperative Research Networks (CRN)" consisting of a public policy developed by the state government of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in order to encourage and promote scientific research and technological innovation. Primarily, the principal objective of the study is to identify, describe and evaluate the contribution and results of said Cooperative Research Networks related to the biotechnology of Minas Gerais. To achieve this objective, we carried out an analysis of eight accredited research networks in the "Support Program for Research Networks" from a funding agency in Minas Gerais. Data was collected in two phases: firstly, a brief literature review on Cooperative Networks; subsequently, secondary information was raised based on the premise that networks intrinsically integrate important features for both scientific and technological breakthroughs in Minas Gerais so as to fully optimize the use of available resources in the development of Science and Technology (S&T) in strategic sectors. The results confirmed that, when developing a network, the exchange between the institutions involved and the interaction between researchers is encouraged, in addition to promoting understanding, thereby intensifying the expertise of groups of excellence. Based on the results, further evidence indicates that the optimal use of resources, and the possibility of working together, allow for the acquisition of scientific instruments or strategic accessories, inaccessible when requested individually.