Knowledge network construction in biotechnology firms in an emerging economy

Abstract

Technology-based firms in emerging economies must overcome important challenges and uncertainties in terms of the development of the technologies they use, as well as in terms of knowledge about the international markets they seek to enter. In this article we present results from an exploratory research project in which we identify those mechanisms by which technology-based firms gain access to the knowledge they need in order to survive and develop in the context of a budding collaboration network of biotechnology firms in Western Mexico. Mechanisms and processes reported in the specialized literature, such as collaboration networks and mobility among firms are analyzed. We report qualitative results based on semi structured interviews with founders and managers of technology- based firms. Interviews are oriented towards the    identification    of    those    mechanisms and processes they use in order to obtain knowledge from external sources. Sources tend to be global or national, rather than local. Results describe the process through which firms within a developing network build their capabilities to acquire knowledge, but they are therefore only applicable to incipient networks in developing economies.