Globalização e novo paradigma tecnológico: os desafios da inserção internacional da indústria brasileira

Abstract

The 1990's have been characterized by deep changes in the world economy. The progression of the globalization development, the utmost advanced stage of the internacionalization process, the consolidation of a new technological and manufacturing paradigm as well as the redefinition of the determining factors for competitiveness, have all aroused intense debates concerning the pathways for the world trade patterns. Should this new world structural makeup be either seen as an effective marginality for developing countries or, quite the opposite, an actual possibility for new opportunities for such countries? Under this background, it is really important to discuss international insertion patterns faced by the Brazilian economy, specially by its manufacturing industry. Should we be either prepared for an active insertion, based on the creation of competitive advantages, or will we enhance our current model, which is concentrated on exporting of natural resources, energy and cheap labour-based products? For its high degree of diversification, significant international ownwership and structural and technological heterogeneity, Brazil is considered to be unique among all other newly industrialized countries. Its same manufacturing industry, developed under the protectionist model of import substitution, has been exposed to strong international competition during the 1990's, which has, in turn, led to questionig the survival capacity of many industries. The stagnation of the 80's, coupled with domestic market slump and the state crisis, has contributed to reinforce defensiveness in the business sector strategies. Despite their focus on productive rationalization during the last year of trade liberalization, a little emphasis in technological capacity building and the financial constraints facing a new investment boom cycle impose extreme difficulties for shaping a new international insertion pattern for the Brazilian manufacturing industry.