Cooperation and relationships between large and small firms in science parks

Abstract

The article presents an interpretative outline on the patterns of inter-firm cooperation relations. Installation of large companies in Science Parks appears as an opportunity for technical and commercial cooperation for small companies. Assuming that, economic development depends on the application of basic research and knowledge into innovation, the literature points out the Science Parks as technical and economic interaction environments between companies and research institutions. In the Brazilian case, State has played key role in promoting development policies and fomentation programs for innovation, trying to induce the formation of technical and commercial alliances in these parks. The methodological option for the construction of cooperation types was for two variables that established the inter-firm cooperation matrix: type and volume of gains (economic and technological) that small companies have to approach large companies. Different forms of cooperation are observed in two Parks in Rio Grande do Sul. “Esclavagismo” is the subordination’s contractual relationship of small company. In “comensalismo”, the large company seeks skilled labor and the small takes advantage of spillovers. “Protocooperação” generates networks and spin-offs between companies. “Mutualismo” is the relationship of full cooperation.