Investigando uma Tecnologia Social pela Perspectiva da Teoria Ator-Rede e Depois

Bernardo Bignetti; Maira Petrini

Authors

Bernardo Bignetti Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul
Maira Petrini Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3914-2589

Keywords:

tecnologia social, actor-network theory, entrepreneurial education

Abstract

The aim of this research is to identify and analyze the local socio-technical readjustments and the heterogeneous network involved in bringing a technology for the social closer to a tecnologia social (TS) as a social construct. Technologies as a social foundation, represented by tecnologias sociais, show a way to create, develop and implement technology aimed at solving social problems. In Latin America, especially in Brazil, two visions are used to characterize tecnologia social: (i) TS as a social construct, in which the technology is built and/or readapted through sociotechnical adjustments with the participation of the local community, and (ii) technology for the social, in which the technology is transferred via programs, artifacts, or methodologies that improve the lives of the assisted community. We studied a replication of an entrepreneurial education program for vulnerable young people, which is considered a technology for the social because the program has its own methodology and was not developed with the participation of the community involved. We adopted the theoretical-methodological basis of Actor-Network Theory (ANT), in its version Actor Network Theory and After (ANT and After), based on three elements: enactment, hinterland and political ontology. Our results show how a technology for the social for entrepreneurial education can be brought closer to a TS as a social construct, allowing us to elaborate two points of discussion. These points constitute a contribution both to theory, thinking about future research agendas, and to the practice of technology for the social programs, offering opportunities for socio-technical adaptations that take into account local knowledge, thus promoting social transformation. In addition, another theoretical contribution is to illustrate the use of ANT and After concepts for TS studies, meeting the need to avoid using ANT in a simplistic way, as a mere tool to study an artifact.

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Author Biographies

Bernardo Bignetti, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul

Holds a PhD in Administration from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Works in the private sector as an engineer and manager in the oil and gas sector. His research focuses on social technologies, social innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial intention and actor-network theory. Has published in academic journals and participated in scientific events, contributing to the advancement of studies on the reapplication of social technologies and qualitative research methods.

Maira Petrini, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul

Holds a PhD in Administration from the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV-SP) and a post-doctoral degree in Administration from HEC Montréal. Is an Associate Professor in the Graduate Program in Administration at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Her research focuses on sustainability and its strategic adoption in companies. Her current research includes new economies, socio-environmental impact companies, social entrepreneurship and hybrid organizations. Head of the Impact Node and Coordinator of the Farol Hub Social at Tecnopuc, the Technology Park of PUCRS. Has professional experience in information systems and technology, having worked for companies such as Procergs, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein and IBM. Also currently provides ad hoc consulting services in the area of sustainability.