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: Suggested Citation