Knowledge management in a high technology industry [Gestão do conhecimento em indústria de alta tecnologia]

Abstract

This paper aims to contribute to Knowledge Management debate for High Technology Industry, in Brazil. The investigated problem refers to "how can an industry, that manufactures under the customers orders, in a long-term commitment and lead time, generate the state of art knowledge, considering the accelerated moves of the technology boundaries? The methodology techniques were primarily defined in terms of a qualitative approach, based on a historic documentation analysis regarding a single case study. Data collecting was supported by questionnaires, filled by a technical group, and also some non-structured interviews made to another group. At the end of the investigative process some conclusions have been pointed out such as: innovative aspects of Hi-Tech are limited by the available knowledge in sciences related and also its appliances; Hi-tech enterprises generates themselves innovation through R&D, aiming to fulfill the lack of a governmental investments program. To implement adaptations required by the new technological and competitive order, a cluster of human competencies are demanded. So, they can be developed through educational process which includes people and leadership development.