KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN STARTUP ACCELERATORS: STUDY OF PROCESSES, PRACTICES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS USED IN BRAZIL

Abstract

One of the ways to streamline the generation and promotion of innovations is through startup accelerators. In these programs, startup accelerators use their own methodologies to provide startups with the knowledge they need to make the business scalable. The objective of this research is to identify and characterize the main processes, practices and tools of Information Technology (IT) used in the knowledge management of startup accelerators operating in Brazil. This is an exploratory-qualitative research that uses multiple case studies on five startup accelerators. Owners and managers were interviewed. Interviews with semi-structured script and documentary analysis of public records were adopted. The main processes and practices used by the accelerators analyzed were: spaces and events dedicated to the socialization of knowledge, knowledge mapping, development of mentoring actions, availability of in-person training with instructors and corporate portal. The main IT tools identified in the accelerators surveyed were: WhatsApp groups, virtual meetings and conferences, mobile phone, VOIP telephony, extranets, social networking and cloud computing. Startup accelerators have been found to use IT processes, practices, and tools to a greater or lesser extent. However, the consulted accelerators use these resources in isolation, almost unconnected with each other, which entails information/knowledge that risks being segmented without sharing with others involved in the organization.