How do Emergin Market Multinationals Mantain their Competitive Advantage? CEMEX

Abstract

Based on the analysis of the international expansion of CEMEX, the Mexican construction materials firm, we propose that the sustainable growth of multinationals from emerging markets depends on the continuous renewal of its capabilities platform. In contrast with previous studies, we suggest that the new capabilities come, in many cases, from the periphery of the firm rather than its country of origin. To contribute to the competitive advantage of the firm, these capabilities have to meet three basic criteria: relevance, appropriability and transferability.