When 'one thing (almost) leads to another'a micro-level exploration of learning linkages in Brazil's mining industry

Resumo

This paper explores the nature of learning linkages through a qualitative and empirically grounded study of three sets of interactions in Brazil's mining industry and finds that: (1) these linkages vary along a spectrum of progressive levels of knowledge intensity, provide a basis for cumulative innovative activities within the mining industry, and are likely to influence innovation in other industries; (2) however, there is local failure for either the government or large corporations to implement proactive policies to support these linkages; (3) nevertheless, an intrinsic motivation among industry stakeholders (including universities) to develop these linkages through relational embeddedness exists, as they react to creative knowledge needs and pressures for cost-reduction or seek to grab opportunities; as such, relational embeddedness appears to offset the absence of policies. However, proactive policies are needed for the expansion and long-term sustainability of these linkages. Policymaking should include government and large mining firms, as well as local suppliers and universities, and build on intrinsic motives and small achievements incrementally. This paper contributes to extending our understanding of the intricacies of learning linkages development in the mining industry. Understanding and illustrating this process is key to strategize policies oriented to industrial development, particularly in resource-rich developing countries. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ficha do documento

Tipo

Artigo científico

Ano

2016

Instituição

Elsevier Sci Ltd

Fonte

Repositório da FGV

Idioma

Inglês

Acesso

Acesso restrito

DOI

10.1016/j.resourpol.2016.07.008

Identificador

oai:repositorio.fgv.br:10438/23653

Temas

TransportesDesenvolvimento Econômico

Palavras-chave

Learning linkagesInnovationSupply chainNatural resourcesMining industryBrazilCiências sociaisMineração - IndústriaLogística empresarialRecursos naturais - Brasil