Evolution of the short-fiber technological trajectory in Brazil's pulp and paper industry: The role of firm-level innovative capability-building and indigenous institutions

摘要: Despite the growing interest in innovation pulp and paper industry (PPI) from strategic management institutional standpoints, little empirical research exists on role of firms' technological capabilities institutions shaping particular trajectories within industry. The objective this article is to examine relationship among capability-building process, indigenous institutions, evolution a trajectory PPI. To meet objective, draws case study design based primary long-term evidence gathered through extensive fieldwork Brazil. This shows that (1) Brazil's PPI began by developing long-fiber technology led global leaders; instead moving subsequent path-following trajectory, these firms accumulated innovative development short-fiber trajectory; (2) initially permitted implementation incremental changes forestry process technologies, which evolved into sophisticated RD (3) shaped providing with human capital support, funding for production initial capability development, IPO entry export markets. These were effective enabled achieve an internationally leading position industry; however, new arrangements are needed support incipient diversification mitigate self-reinforcement. building combined enable firms—even those late-industrializing country—to create trajectory. Given opportunities PPI, managers policy makers should not be satisfied their achievements; rather, they alert entrants explore novel technologically advanced paths.