Faces: Revista de Administração (Apr 2024)
Leveraging Sociocultural and Symbolic Capitals for Innovation-Led Economic Transformation
Abstract
This paper presents a comparative analysis between Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and Lafayette, Louisiana, United States. These two cities share a strong historical connection with extractive industries and are experiencing dynamics of reconfiguration of their economic functions towards a digital economy. Nova Lima has a rich mining heritage, while Lafayette is known for its oil and gas sector. The study examines the sociocultural and symbolic capitals of these spaces, aiming to identify relevant assets for the creation and support of environments conducive to digital economy activities. Using Bourdieu’s theory of practice, the article offers valuable insights into strategies that could be employed by Nova Lima and Lafayette to position themselves as attractive hubs for investments and ventures in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. In this regard, the unique economic, historical, and sociodemographic contexts of the two cities and their implications on the ongoing transformation dynamics are analyzed. Furthermore, the sociocultural and symbolic capitals present in Nova Lima and Lafayette are investigated, highlighting possibilities for their unique application in fostering new businesses and ventures. To this end, a comparative qualitative research approach was used, developed through the case study method. The collected data, through documentary analysis, on-site visits, and semi-structured and in-depth interviews, were subsequently subjected to content analysis by category. The comparative analysis aims to provide contributions to policymakers, urban planners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders of spaces facing the challenges of economic transformation for business environment of the digital era.
