Article: The dynamics of technological learning inside the latecomer firm: evidence from the capital goods industry in Brazil Journal: International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM) 2006 Vol.36 No.1/2/3 pp.62 - 90 Abstract: This article focuses on the implications of the intra-firm learning processes for the direction and rate of latecomer firm-level technological capability accumulation. This relationship is examined in a capital goods firm – producer of equipment and complete plants for pulp and paper mills – during its lifetime of 24 years. Using a single case study design, this article draws from first-hand empirical evidence gathered through one-year fieldwork. The framework for capability identifies three technological functions: engineering activities and project management, operational processes and practices, and process equipment. The framework for learning identifies four learning processes. These are examined on the basis of four features: variety, intensity, functioning, and interaction. In addition to clarifying how learning processes work within the latecomer firm, this article contributes to providing a concrete notion of the time-frame to materialise the returns, in terms of innovative capability building, expected by managers from their learning efforts over time. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: The dynamics of technological learning inside the latecomer firm: evidence from the capital goods industry in Brazil

Authors: Celso L. Tacla, Paulo N. Figueiredo

Addresses: Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration, Getulio Vargas Foundation (EBAPE/FGV), Praia de Botafogo 190 Room 510, 22250–900 Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil. ' Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration, Getulio Vargas Foundation (EBAPE/FGV), Praia de Botafogo 190 Room 510, 22250–900 Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil

Abstract: This article focuses on the implications of the intra-firm learning processes for the direction and rate of latecomer firm-level technological capability accumulation. This relationship is examined in a capital goods firm – producer of equipment and complete plants for pulp and paper mills – during its lifetime of 24 years. Using a single case study design, this article draws from first-hand empirical evidence gathered through one-year fieldwork. The framework for capability identifies three technological functions: engineering activities and project management, operational processes and practices, and process equipment. The framework for learning identifies four learning processes. These are examined on the basis of four features: variety, intensity, functioning, and interaction. In addition to clarifying how learning processes work within the latecomer firm, this article contributes to providing a concrete notion of the time-frame to materialise the returns, in terms of innovative capability building, expected by managers from their learning efforts over time.

Keywords: technological learning; latecomer firms; innovative capability; capital goods industry; Brazil; organisational learning; industrialising economies; intra-firm learning; pulp and paper industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2006.009962

International Journal of Technology Management, 2006 Vol.36 No.1/2/3, pp.62 - 90

Published online: 06 Jun 2006 *

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Title: The dynamics of technological learning inside the latecomer firm: evidence from the capital goods industry in Brazil

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