Title: Competitive advantage in knowledge-based firms of emerging economies: evidence from Mexico

Authors: José Carlos Rodríguez; Mario Gómez; Karla N. Ramírez

Addresses: Economic and Business Research Institute, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Ciudad Universitaria, Edificio ININEE, Morelia, Mich., 58004, Mexico; Centre – Urbanisation Culture Société, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, 385, rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal QC, H2X 1E3, Canada ' Economic and Business Research Institute, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Ciudad Universitaria, Edificio ININEE, Morelia, Mich., 58004, Mexico; Department of Foundations of Economic Analysis II, Universidad del País Vasco, Ave. Lehendakari Aguirre 83, Bilbao, 48015, Spain ' Economic and Business Research Institute, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Ciudad Universitaria, Edificio ININEE, Morelia, Mich., 58004, Mexico

Abstract: This paper analyses the possibility of finding competitive advantages among knowledge-based firms in emerging economies. It is argued that rapidly evolving environments due to globalised markets and rapid technology change may influence the strategy of the firm in order to compete in markets. In this regard, the strategy of the firm should be constantly adapting to rapid changes in environmental conditions. This research inquires thus on how knowledge-based firms in emerging economies may react to rapid changes in environmental conditions in order to compete in markets in the presence of technology change and globalised markets. The case of biotech-dedicated firms in Mexico is analysed in this paper.

Keywords: competitive advantage; sustained advantage; temporary advantage; knowledge-based firms; biotech firms; biotechnology; emerging economies; Mexico; business strategy; technological change; globalisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2015.069035

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2015 Vol.7 No.1, pp.39 - 58

Received: 08 Oct 2014
Accepted: 19 Jan 2015
Published online: 24 Apr 2015 *

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