Globalization and systems of production and innovation in newly industrialized countries (NICs): lessons from Brazil

This article presents a working definition of ‘competitiveness’ and ‘social capabilities’ which should be taken into consideration when dealing with industrializing countries that are facing the challenges and opportunities of the ICT techno-economic paradigm. Empirical evidence from nine production and innovation ‘arrangements’ in Brazil are used in order to indicate the need for public policy, so that these challenges can be properly managed and the opportunities fully captured at a time of intense competition in the world market.