Knowledge transfer among clustered firms: a study of Brazil

Abstract

This paper analyses knowledge transfer among clustered firms and its relation to the competitiveness of a tourism destination in southern Brazil. It is assumed that knowledge is a strategic resource transferred among clustered firms. Research methods used were secondary data analysis followed by a survey conducted with 49 respondents. Findings show that the access to resources is more evident for the third sector and public administration than to firms. Besides, it was found that the knowledge transfer happens in different ways, but especially through the periodic meetings among the tourism firms. It was demonstrated that there is a better access and communication and information exchange among tourist firms, but the data have not connected knowledge transfer to destination competitiveness.

Keywords:

• competitiveness
• knowledge transfer
• firms
• cluster

Notes

^1. http://www.urubici.com.br.

^2. In order to simplify this, the variables are described in the corresponding comparative table.