Abstract
This research investigates the formation of the Science Park in Campinas, Brazil. The gathering of research institutions and technology based industries around the University of Campinas in the 1960´s and 1970´s did not happen by chance. It was the result of some scientists´ work. Acting as a group, they had a major influence deciding the location of institutions and companies that would be installed, as well as what type of research was to be developed there. An important vector that determined their choices was their shared perception that investing in science and technology is fundamental to stimulate the economical and social development of a so called developing country as Brazil. This research is an atempt to show how this shared perception was established, by reconstructing some of the scientists´ educational background and experiences in foreign countries.