The diffusion of process technologies in Spanish manufacturing firms

Abstract

The adoption of new technologies has often been related to efficiency of quality improvements. However, many authors point out that technologies cannot be a source of competitive advantages, given their high imitability. The arguments that support this conclusion ignore that the diffusion of technology is a long and highly heterogeneous process. This heterogeneity might justify durable differences in resource endowments and profitability. The aim of this study is to provide evidence of the diffusion process and the variables that condition it. To this end, we use data from the Survey of Business Strategies, which describe the use of technologies in Spanish manufacturing firms. Our results show that the process of technology diffusion is relatively slow and is related to variables such as size, absorptive capacity, the internationalization of firmactivities and whether the firm belongs to a group.