Exports of technology from semi-industrial economies and local technological development

This paper analyzes technology exports from five of the most industrially advanced developing countries — Argentina, Brazil, India, Korea, and Mexico. It explores the nature of the exports and of the exporting firms, identifies the competitive advantage underlying different types of technology exports, and analyzes the comparative advantages of the five countries in these exports. Based on an analysis of different strategies toward the trade in the elements of technology, it summarizes tentative lessons about relationships between trade in the elements of technology, country and firm strategy, and local technological development.