Part of literature on interorganizacional network learning states that this environment (networks) allows Learning through the ability's combination of different members. Also, there are current studies that link the same member's characteristics with issues and barriers to learning. This apparent contradiction stimulated a question: how the configuration of network member's positions affects the sense that learning has to the own members? Our study presents the empirical results of a case analysis related to one Brazilian epistemic network in biotechnology field. The methodology was based on combined methods of quantitative and qualitative techniques. Initially, we used quantitative analysis highlighting the sociometric member's position according the centrality to learning and academic production. After that, we applied a semistructured interview with members located in different positions, independently of high value added (members with high centrality) or marginal value (low centrality members). Using the reference of qualitative analysis focusing on the concepts of practices and genres, it was possible to devise different senses to learning in accordance with the position of members. From results, there it was possible to establish a relationship concerning the interorganizational network member position occupied and the sense given to learning. Despite the limitations associated with a unique case, which makes impossible to generalize the results, the study opens new possibilities for further research on the relationship between the member's characteristics in networks and the sense of learning.
Network learning; Sociometric; Senses; Position; Learning
