Abstract.
The Brazilian polymer industry (plastics, rubbers, fibers, adhesives, paints, and varnishes) is the fastest growing segment of the Petrochemical Chain. Since the polymer industry is characterized as science based, the capacity to create technology is vital for its long-range survival in the market. This paper analyzes how Brazilian polymer firms maintain their technological competitiveness, explains the main modes of technology transfer, and evaluates the degree of technological dependence of this industry. The methodology consisted of a database built with data from the Brazilian Patent Office. To confirm the findings, interviews were conducted with staff members from seven Brazilian polymer firms. The data base analysis and the interviews reveal that, in spite of the fact that Research and Development (R&D) and technological innovation have a fundamental role in their competitiveness, the firms are technologically dependent upon foreign suppliers.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bean A.S. (1995). Why some R&D Organizations are More Productive than Others. Research Technology Management Jan/Feb, 25–29.
H. Bodewitz G. De Vries P. Weeder (1988) ArticleTitleTowards for Technology-oriented R&D Processes Research Policy 17 213–224 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0048-7333(88)90050-9
Chesbrough H., Teece D.J. (1996). Organizing for Innovation. Harvard Business Review Jan/Feb, 65–73.
W.M. Cohen D.A. Levinthal (1989) ArticleTitleInnovation and Learning: The Two Faces of R&D The Economic Journal 99 IssueIDSept 569–596
J.P. Deschamps R. Nayak (1997) ArticleTitleComo se Destacar na prateleira Revista Exame 4 IssueIDFev. 62–64
C.A. Hemais (1997) ArticleTitleModel of International Transfer of Technology: A Theoretical Approach Technology Management: Strategies and Applications 3 213–227
S. Kvale (1996) InterViews—An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing Sage Thousand Oaks, CA
Lander L., Matheson D., Menke M.M., Ransley L. (1995). Improving the R&D Decision Process. Research Technology Management Jan/Feb , 40–43.
R. McCulloch (1981) ArticleTitleTechnology Transfer To Developing Countries: Implications of International Regulation Annals American Academy of Political Science 458(Nov) 110–122
K. Pavitt (1984) ArticleTitleSectoral Patterns of Technical Change: Towards a Taxonomy and a Theory Research Policy 13 343–373 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0048-7333(84)90018-0
K. Pavitt (1992) Some Foundations for a Theory of the Large Innovating Firm’ G. Dosi R. Giannetti P.A. Toninelli (Eds) Technology and Enterprise in a Historical Perspective Clarendon Press Oxford 212–228
D.J. Sheskin (2004) Handbook of Parametric and Nonparametric Statistical Procedures,’ EditionNumber3 Chapman & Hall/ CRC Boca Raton
A.M. Thayer (1995) ArticleTitleJustifying technology’s Value Challenges Industry R&D Managers CandEN News 6 IssueIDFeb. 10–14
B. Twiss (1986) Managing Technological Innovation EditionNumber3 Pitman London
R. Yin (1994) Case Study Research—Design and Methods Sage Newbury Park, CA
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hemais, C.A., Barros, H.M. & Rosa, E.O.R. Technology Competitiveness in Emerging Markets: The Case of the Brazilian Polymer Industry. J Technol Transfer 30, 303–314 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-005-0932-x
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-005-0932-x