Recent years have seen a growth in network research programs, with different distinct research groups bringing together competencies in their search for significant technological advances. Knowledge Management (KM) is an essential factor in these initiatives, but there are few studies about this theme. This paper describes KM practices in research groups of a Brazilian national research network called the Factory of the Millennium Institute (IFM). The research method adopted here was a multicase study, using interviews, applied to a sample of research groups of this network. The result was a conceptual research process development model, a theoretical model of best KM practices and barriers observed. The data confirms the importance of knowledge management practices and a focus on the aspect of socialization of knowledge conversion (tacit-tacit). A description is given of some directions for future research in this area.
Information management systems; Knowledge management; Corporate portals; Research groups; Research networks
