Drawing on the experience of semi-industrialised countries in technological accumulation, discusses how developing countries can take better advantage of foreign technology. Considers in particular how domestic technological capabilities and skills can be mobilised.

Studies the impact of flexible specialization on industrial competitiveness and working conditions in two industrial districts, i. e. the shoe industry in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and the autoparts production around the city of Campinas in the state of Sao Paulo. Investigates trends...

Analyzes the banana industry crisis and its labour related effects. Highlights the continuing importance of the banana industry to the region.

Offers a comparative analysis of recent developments in collective bargaining, with particular respect to negotiations on employment and competitiveness.

Uses a bilateral trade gravity model to evaluate the effects of freedom of association and collective bargaining (FACB) rights on exports. Finds robust relationships between stronger FACB rights and higher total manufacturing exports.

Looks at three different patterns that limit competitiveness: a) questionable working conditions in export processing zones or within global value chains that are driven by a foreign or multinational enterprise; b) exclusion of self-employed from the internal governance process of the chain; c)...

ILO pub-WEP pub. Working paper, case studies of decision making regarding choice of technology in public enterprises (Petrobras in the fertilizer industry and Embraer in the aerospace industry) in Brazil - outlines business organization; considers the impact of state intervention and the...