Análise das necessidades de informação das empresas incubadas de base tecnológica do setor de biotecnologia do estado de Minas Gerais

Abstract

This work analyzes the information needs of biotechnology incubated companies in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It identifies the main diflficulties faced by the entrepreneurs, assesses the most used information sources and how the obtained information is used. An exploratory study was conducted with the help of a previously elaborated plan, where semi- structured interviews with entrepreneurs and incubator managers were conducted. We concluded that diflficulties faced by the companies are related to aspects such as financial, marketing problems, commercialization and management. Information, which these companies search especially those obtained from personal sources, is related to these issues. Various factors influence entrepreneurs information needs, such as: their academic background and experience, their capacity to network with other professionals; the development stage of the company, the place where the incubator is located and the quality of specialized Services it provides. These aspects should be taken into consideration before one prepares information products and Services directed to these companies.