Local and global linkages of small and medium enterprises in local production systems in Brazil

Abstract

The object of this chapter is to analyse the forms taken in Brazil by interfirm linkages in local production systems. These are typically non-integrated production systems comprising large numbers of firms, many of which are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). They interact frequently and tend to develop a variety of linkages, as well as having agents who coordinate interfirm relations as a complement to market mechanisms.