Cooperative health research networks: a description and analysis of a coordination tool in a public biomedical research institute

The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze the dynamics of cooperative public health research networks, and their utilization as the principal coordination instrument for a technological development program in a public health research institution. It begins with a few methodological considerations in regard to carrying out surveys and systemizing and analyzing data. Next a brief conceptual explanation of cooperative networks is made along with the characteristics of the program. Then the cooperative networks are described and analyzed, observing the relationships between the various actors that dynamize the program, the presence of IT and communications tools, and the sharing of the techno-scientific base among the projects of cooperative networks. The article concludes by interlacing some considerations about the local appropriation of a conceptual techno-scientific organizational model - the cooperative networks. The creation of a data bank of empirical data, and of local concepts and categories for analyses are considered to be decisive factors for increasing the knowledge acquired through sociology and anthropology about research best practices and administration of biomedical research.