This paper looks at the impact of British innovation, entrepreneurship and management on Brazilian economic development from 1875 to 1914,
a period when Britain was the main foreign presence in Brazil. It combines conventional trade and investment statistics, with trademark registration
data, and also detailed case study analysis, by focusing on the development of the textiles industry in Brazil. It argues that accounts on the impact
of foreign investment and trade from developed countries into developing countries should pay more attention to the role of the expatriate
entrepreneur in introducing innovations and transferring knowledge. The paper shows that British expatriate entrepreneurs were key in introducing
technological and marketing innovations, and in transferring management capabilities and knowledge, contributing to the development of the
textiles industry. This knowledge transfer which is not accounted for by current foreign direct investment and trade statistics, often took place
through the establishment and management of textiles firms in Brazil by British expatriate entrepreneurs. The paper
draws on company archives and public records from Britain and Brazil, and also on original trademark data collected in Brazil for the first time.
Directions:
Due to preparation work for the MBS redevelopment project, access to the Harold Hankins building is no longer possible via the University Precinct
Centre. Please use the main entrance of MBS West (Building Number 29 on the Campus Map) and take the lifts to the left of the main reception
desk to the 6th floor. Turn left (‘access to Harold Hankins’ is signed) and go through the door at the end of the corridor and left through a second
door into the stairwell. Go down a half flight of stairs following the sign ‘access to Harold Hankins’ and through the door into the Harold Hankins
building and along the corridor until you get to the main stairwell/lift lobby. Take the lift to the tenth floor then turn right out of the lift.
Alternatively, if you are a member of the University you can email john.ashton-2@manchester.ac.uk for access to Harold Hankins building
from the door on Booth Street West.
