Business strategy and upgrading in global value chains: a multiple case study in Brazilian IT firms
Track: SME development (Conference) and Strategies for Global Competitiveness (General Latin American Business).
Key words: Business strategy, upgrading, global value chains.
Business strategy and upgrading in global value chains: a multiple case study in Brazilian IT firms
Abstract
The focus of the research is the organizational strategy of firms connected to Global Value Chains (GVCs). The
investigation is conducted through the multiple case study method. The sample is composed of Information Technology
(IT) firms of Brazilian origin. All of them carry international operations. Primary data were collected in personal interviews.
The literature review brings concepts related to GVCs, upgrading, and strategy. It’s indicated in the literature that GVC
structure is designed by northern hemisphere firms. Upgrading is related to firm strategy. The argument is that proactive
strategies yield upgrading. Studied cases’ strategy is characterized as well as attitude toward organizational innovation.
Key words: Business strategy, upgrading, global value chains, organizational innovation.
Introduction and objetives