Accumulation of technological capabilities in the brewing industry

The accumulation of technological capabilities is one of the fundamental features of competitiveness. At the firm level it implies a dynamic process for obtaining and building domestic capacity, as well as the available technological expertise in other companies and institutions, and economical context where the company participates and competes. This paper analyzes the skills accumulation patterns through the use of an array of technological capabilities that measures the technical functions of investment, production, product and equipment for the Mexican company "Grupo Modelo." The study period extends from the foundation of the company until 2009. The information sources are from interviews in depth, direct observation and technical information from the company. The questions to be answered are: What has the accumulation pattern of technological capabilities followed by the company been during its life? How has the accumulation pattern of technological capabilities followed by the company been during its lifespan? What have the characteristic level (operational improvement) in the accumulation pattern of technological capabilities through routine and innovation levels been? And how can the differences in the acquisition and conversion of organizational knowledge and learning processes underlying be explained? The main conclusion of this research is that Grupo Modelo has undertaken internal learning processes and premises that have enabled an increase in building technological capabilities in a gradual and differentiated manner (acquisition, assimilation and adaptation), thus improving its competitiveness.