By Marcia Maria Silva Casseb Catanduva, the capital of Brazil’s ceiling fan industry, is located in the exuberant hinterland of the state of São Paulo and is home to 120,000 people. Catanduva is one of the most promising regional economic centers in Northern Sao Paulo, thanks to its bustling service industry and household appliance manufacturing industry. In spite … [Read more...] about Improving the Water Quality of the São Domingos River
Do Productive Development Policies Work for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises?
By Lucas Figal Garone Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Argentina accounted for more than half of the gross domestic product (GDP) and three-quarters of all jobs in the second half of the 2000s. However, evidence suggests that market and coordination failures have threatened the productive potential of these firms. Among the many challenges faced by … [Read more...] about Do Productive Development Policies Work for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises?
More than Denim and Profits: Creating Jobs and Engaging the Community
By Max-Emanuel Hatzold Remaining competitive in the textile business is not easy, as it is an industry with low barriers to entry and intense global competition. As a result, profit margins are typically low. That’s why companies like Vicunha Ecuador S.A., one of the country’s oldest textile manufacturers, need to constantly invest in growth, efficiency, and … [Read more...] about More than Denim and Profits: Creating Jobs and Engaging the Community
Tackle the Funding Gap: Expanding Access to Credit for Brazilian Microentrepreneurs
By Helio Bertachini Ms. Terezinha runs her own small business selling churrasquinho, a type of steak stick, in Pindamonhangaba, a city in the countryside of São Paulo State, Brazil. Terezinha needs credit to grow her business, but until recently her access to credit was very limited.View Post … [Read more...] about Tackle the Funding Gap: Expanding Access to Credit for Brazilian Microentrepreneurs
To Guide or not to Guide? Using Technology to Improve Learning
By Elena Arias and Julián Cristia Considering everything that technology has made possible, from instant global communication to space travel, harnessing it to improve learning and revolutionize education would seem well within our reach. Indeed, the IDB is looking at how technology can improve learning across Latin America and the Caribbean, where there is an urgent … [Read more...] about To Guide or not to Guide? Using Technology to Improve Learning