As redes e a investigação científica: o caso da universidade do algarve em Portugal[The networks and scientific research: the case of the university of algarve in Portugal]

Today the importance of networks between actors and institutions is growing. There are several benefits that these networks can create, from the greater dissemination of information through sharing of resources to access to specialized assets. Networks facilitate the sharing of best-practice and inter-organizational learning. In the particular case of scientific research, networks have a very important role. The case of the universities is paradigmatic because they benefit enormously from exchanges that happen with other elements with which establish more sustainable cooperation, which also strengthens the role of promoting regional development. This text aims to highlight the network relations of a peripheral university in Portugal - the University of the Algarve, and how these networks may be restrictions or potentialities to development of the university itself and the territory in which it is inserted.