Agrupamento dos setores da economia nacional segundo o seu desempenho: estudo utilizando análises fatorial e de clusters

Abstract

This article is based on the industrial organization paradigm, which states that the industry structure is relevant to define its attractiveness. This is an exploratory study which aims at analyzing the performance of Brazilian economic sectors during the period 2003-2006. Economic, financial, and structural performance metrics were used in the performance analysis. In order to assess performance homogeneity, three clusters were defined as inferior, medium and superior performers. The methodology was developed in two stages based on principal component analysis and cluster analysis respectively. The results show that the mining industry maintained a steady position in the superior performance cluster, and the wholesale industry in the medium performance cluster. The automobile industry showed great volatility between the clusters. Some industries remained in the same cluster during the whole period while others changed their position often. The results also suggest that some industries have the same performance pattern, and others move from one cluster to another as groups.