Argentina: recent dynamics in the software and IT services industry

This article examines the impact of organizational and absorptive capacities
and networking on the performance of Argentine software and IT services firms,
within an evolutionary theoretical framework. The models estimated show that
innovation outcomes depend on quality management, the existence of research and
development (R&D) staff and on occupying intermediate positions in the network
architecture. Firms' economic performance cannot be assessed using a single set of indicators: whereas productivity is explained by the qualifications of human resources
and employment growth by R&D personnel, export probability is associated with
obtaining certifications, adopting agile methodologies and occupying intermediate
positions in the network architecture. The heterogeneity of business models suggests
that it is not possible to establish a single type of relationship between innovation
and performance for all firms in the industry.