Challenges for technological capacity building in latecomer firms: a study empirical in manufacturing firms in Brazil

Antonio Iacono and Marcelo Seido Nagano
School of Engineering of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: This article aims to assess the technological capability of manufacturing companies in latecomer firms through analysis of the main technological functions presented in the literature. In addition to analysing the activities of the functions that make up the technological capability, highlighting the intensity in each of them, we seek to differentiate the firms in terms of technological competence levels acquired via calculation of a Technological Capability Index (TCI). To achieve these objectives, we conducted a study with 44 capital goods firms, located in south-eastern Brazil. The results show large variations between national and multinational firms, and between smaller and larger firms. These differences are highlighted in the assessments of capability functions and technological capability rates calculated.

Keywords: technological capability, manufacturing firms, technological capability index, latecomer firms.