Technological Capabilities in Developing Countries

Frontmatter

1. Introduction

Abstract

This book analyses forms of technological capabilities (TCs) and their acquisition by developing countries on the premise that the acquisition and development of these capabilities is a necessary condition for the efficient use of industrial technology. It focuses on the case of industrial biotechnology in Mexico.

Ruby Gonsen

2. Technological Capabilities in Developing Countries: Analytical Framework

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the concept of technological capability (TC) in developing countries, taking into account that the environment’ in which such capabilities are developed in industrialised countries is different from that in less-developed countries (LDCs).

Ruby Gonsen

3. Biotechnology: A Characterisation of the Technology and Implications for Developing Countries

Abstract

Biotechnology (BT) is not an industry in itself, but a set of technologies that affect several industries. Several studies include surveys or analyses of the state of the art of the nascent BT-based industries¹ and reports on new developments continuously appear in scientific as well as trade and business publications. It is not the objective here to give a detailed exposition of these developments, but rather to highlight the relevant aspects of this field of activity for a further analysis on the technological capabilities (TCs) required for such technologies by developing countries.

Ruby Gonsen

4. Industrial Biotechnological Capabilities in Mexico: A Micro-Level Assessment

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the identification and assessment of industrial BTCs in Mexico under the framework provided in Chapter 3, that is a distinction is made between core-scientific capabilities, bioprocessing capabilities and complementary capabilities, and attention is paid to the process of integration of these capabilities.

Ruby Gonsen

5. Role of Advanced BTCs in Fermentation Industries

Abstract

The previous chapter showed that modern fermentation industries operating in Mexico in the areas of pharmaceuticals and chemicals (second generation bioprocessing) performed well in terms of operational efficiency. Companies were able to master modern imported technologies; however, they lack in-house core-scientific capabilities. Thus, the question remains whether it is necessary to go beyond good absorptive capabilities and acquire more advanced capabilities in bioprocessing industries affected by BT. This question can be addressed in two ways:

Ruby Gonsen

6. The Role of Government in the Development of BTCs

Abstract

Economic theory provides a basis for government intervention based on whether the relevant markets function efficiently. If all markets function efficiently, the best strategy for optimal allocation of resources and production is one of minimum intervention. If there is market failure,¹ however, optimality is not guaranteed; government intervention may be required to improve the functioning of imperfect markets.

Ruby Gonsen

7. Conclusions and Final Considerations

Abstract

The purpose of this book has been to examine biotechnological capabilities (BTCs) at the firm level in Mexico. To assess the BTCs of industry, this study undertook interviews with firms in the BT-related industrial sector, government agencies and research institutes involved in BT development initiatives, former BT-related firms in Mexico, and state-of-the-art BT-related industry in Japan. For purposes of comparing the experiences of BT-related industries in Mexico with other countries, government programmes and industry experiences were reviewed for leading countries in both the developed and developing worlds.

Ruby Gonsen

Backmatter