When “one thing (almost) leads to another”: A micro-level exploration of learning linkages in Brazil's mining industry

Paulo N. Figueiredo and Janaina Piana

Resources Policy, 2016, vol. 49, issue C, 405-414

Abstract: This paper explores the nature of learning linkages through a qualitative and empirically grounded study of three sets of interactions in Brazil's mining industry and finds that: (1) these linkages vary along a spectrum of progressive levels of knowledge intensity, provide a basis for cumulative innovative activities within the mining industry, and are likely to influence innovation in other industries; (2) however, there is local failure for either the government or large corporations to implement proactive policies to support these linkages; (3) nevertheless, an intrinsic motivation among industry stakeholders (including universities) to develop these linkages through relational embeddedness exists, as they react to creative knowledge needs and pressures for cost-reduction or seek to grab opportunities; as such, relational embeddedness appears to offset the absence of policies. However, proactive policies are needed for the expansion and long-term sustainability of these linkages. Policymaking should include government and large mining firms, as well as local suppliers and universities, and build on intrinsic motives and small achievements incrementally. This paper contributes to extending our understanding of the intricacies of learning linkages development in the mining industry. Understanding and illustrating this process is key to strategize policies oriented to industrial development, particularly in resource-rich developing countries.

Keywords: Learning linkages; Innovation; Supply chain; Natural resources; Mining industry; Brazil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (16)

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301420716300216
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:49:y:2016:i:c:p:405-414

DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2016.07.008

Access Statistics for this article

Resources Policy is currently edited by R. G. Eggert

More articles in Resources Policy from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().