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The Co-Evolution of Firm-Centered Knowledge Networks and Capabilities in Late Industrializing Countries: The Case of Petrobras in the Offshore Oil Innovation System in Brazil

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  • Dantas, Eva
  • Bell, Martin

Abstract

Summary This paper addresses neglected questions about the long-term co-evolution of capabilities and networks at the heart of latecomer innovation systems, examining the case of Petrobras, the Brazilian oil company between the late-1960s and the early-2000s. The paper demonstrates the existence of accumulative, non-recursive, and self-reinforcing relationship between capabilities and networks. The firm's capabilities at a particular time enabled and constrained the forms of networks that were possible, while increases in capabilities functioned as "entry tickets" to participate in new network forms. In turn, knowledge networks at any time helped to consolidate emerging levels of capabilities, and also reach higher capability margins.

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  • Dantas, Eva & Bell, Martin, 2011. "The Co-Evolution of Firm-Centered Knowledge Networks and Capabilities in Late Industrializing Countries: The Case of Petrobras in the Offshore Oil Innovation System in Brazil," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 39(9), pages 1570-1591, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:39:y:2011:i:9:p:1570-1591
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    21. Frank, Alejandro Germán & Cortimiglia, Marcelo Nogueira & Ribeiro, José Luis Duarte & Oliveira, Lindomar Subtil de, 2016. "The effect of innovation activities on innovation outputs in the Brazilian industry: Market-orientation vs. technology-acquisition strategies," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(3), pages 577-592.
    22. Diego Queiroz Machado & Fátima Regina Ney Matos & Rafael Fernandes Mesquita, 2022. "Relations between innovation management and organisational sustainability: a case study in a Brazilian higher education institution," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(9), pages 11127-11152, September.
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    25. Figueiredo, Paulo N. & Cabral, Bernardo P. & Silva, Felipe Q., 2021. "Intricacies of firm-level innovation performance: An empirical analysis of latecomer process industries," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).

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