Brazilian SMEs of the Industrial Health Complex: Export Performance from the Resource-Based View

Abstract

The present paper analyzes the export performance of the Brazilian industrial health complex based on an exploratory research on small and medium-sized companies that integrate the project known as Brazilian Health Devices - BHD. The paper begins by approaching the Resource-based View theory, a theoretical framework that sees resources as key to superior firm performance. It then follows with a characterization of the health industry in Brazil, and concludes with an analysis of conducted interviews with companies that integrate with the project. Outcome of research made aware that many of the BHD members limit their international operations within the range of the collective operations of the project, thus, they do not develop any differentiated resources that could lead them to a sustainable competitive advantage in the foreign market.