Financing Manufacturing Innovation in Argentina, 1890-1930

Posted: 4 Dec 2009

Date Written: December 3, 2009

Abstract

Between 1890 and 1930, Argentina’s manufacturers invested in imported machinery. Although they aligned with political allies to advance and protect their companies, their dependence on imported machinery, raw materials, and fuel, and expensive skilled labor were obstacles to their success. Two factors slowed the progress of these entrepreneurs: their lack of technological capabilities, and the absence of government policies to address the problems entailed in importing foreign machinery. Several political factions supported industry’s efforts to reduce dependency on imported products and diversify the economy. While these supporters hoped to promote industry through the passage of legislation to raise the tariff rate, their strategy represented a compromise that resulted in stifling the drive to innovate that is so necessary for long-run economic growth and industrial development.

Keywords: Argentina, manufacture, innovation

JEL Classification: N86, O31, N66

Suggested Citation

Pineda, Yovanna, Financing Manufacturing Innovation in Argentina, 1890-1930 (December 3, 2009). Business History Review, Vol. 83, No. 3, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1517833

Yovanna Pineda (Contact Author)

Saint Michael's College ( email )

SMC Box 38
One Winooski Park
Colchester, VT 05439
United States

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