Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Alcorta, Ludovico
Author-Workplace-Name: United Nations University, Institute for New Technologies
Author-Name: Ary Plonksi, Guilherme
Author-Workplace-Name: Universidade de Sao Paolo
Author-Name: Rimoli, Celso Augusto
Author-Workplace-Name: Universidade de Sao Paolo
Title: The Experience of Technological Collaborations by Mercosur Companies
Abstract: This paper examines some of the experiences in information and knowledge sharing
	 involving MERCOSUR firms. It finds that while technological collaborations by
	 MERCOSUR firms are relatively few, located in low-tech sectors and taking place in
	 an environment of little innovation they are motivated by the need to 'fuse' own
	 knowledge with that of partner or to improve available information. Modes of
	 governance vary accordingly, with equity or contractual forms being used for new
	 developments and informal agreements for improvements. Governments and business
	 associations can be important facilitators of technological collaborations. The
	 analysis of technological collaborations suggested that the better prepared a
	 corporation entered an agreement the more successful it was likely to be. It also
	 pointed out that were interactions were intense, well intended and transparent;
	 included personnel exchanges; were properly assessed; and, involved receptive
	 participants, learning progressed smoothly and partners were satisfied. Benefits of
	 the collaborations included new patentable and non patentable products and new
	 factories as well as building trust between partners. Premature termination of some
	 collaborations was the result of financial limitations unrelated to the success of
	 the collaboration.
Keywords: Industrial Cooperation, Technology Transfer, MERCOSUR
Series: Discussion Paper
Creation-Date: 1998
Number: 1998-03
File-URL: https://www.merit.unu.edu/publications/discussion-papers/9803.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 132 Kb
Handle: RePEc:unm:unuint:199803