The Brazilian HCI drive: success or failure?

Abstract

Like many other countries, Brazil adopted a pro-active industrial policy during much of its recent history. Although it was able to shift the structure of its economy in favor of certain industries, most of the time it failed to develop industries that were internationally competitive. This being the case, in addition to identifying and describing the policies adopted by the Brazilian government over time, this article will attempt to provide an understanding the reasons for this policy failure in terms of international competitiveness. In this regard, it proved to be helpful to compare Brazil with countries in similar circumstances that, unlike Brazil, have been successful. Accordingly, we chose to contrast Brazil with South Korea.