KNOWLEDGE NETWORK MAPPING IN THE DRY AND SEMI-ARID FIELD: SUBSIDIES FOR KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN NUT-SECA
knowledge network; NUT-Seca; knowledge management; domain analysis.
The following master's research stems from the need for the Nucleo Temático da Seca e Semiarido do Rio Grande do Norte (NUT-Seca) of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte to (re)assume with a critical perspective the axis of knowledge networks – as a mechanism of knowledge management strategy – around the domain of drought and semi-arid conditions to reinstate itself as a dynamic research agent in the field. For this purpose, the objective of the research was to carry out a mapping of specialized knowledge networks in the field of drought and semi-arid conditions that allow subsidizing proposals for knowledge management. The research mobilizes a theoretical framework that has as axes the social, situated, and contextual nature of knowledge; a critical perspective on Knowledge Management and the importance of the territory to anchor strategic analyses, as well as conceptual aspects on social networks and knowledge networks. As a methodological approach, Domain Analysis is used, considering its emphasis on exploring the social contexts of knowledge production and communication, in addition to its agents, documents and communication flows. As a result, the structure, components and characteristics were identified, as well as represented in the form of science maps informal and formal networks around the dry and semi-arid domain, elaborated from bibliometric methods and Social Network Analysis. Among the mapped networks are networks of co-authorship, co-citation, bibliographic coupling, and research groups. Based on these results, knowledge management strategies are proposed at NUT-Seca, based on academic partnerships, collaboration in networks and information products and services around the drought and semi-arid region.