Resumo

MERCADO CELIS, Alejandro. Signos vitales: Aprendizaje biotecnológico en América del Norte. Región y sociedad [online]. 2006, vol.18, n.35, pp.03-41. ISSN 2448-4849.

Technological gaps among countries and regions are the key element in the economic differentiation and in the outcoming growth rates. Less developed countries and regions can develop technological capabilities based on different strategies. The right time for the less developed countries entering the technological competition is when technologies and knowledge related to them are in an early stage of development; this particular moment is known as a window of technological and locational opportunity. This article claims that biotechnology's window of opportunity is still open, and that Mexico still can enter the competition for developing a biotechnology industry. However, although the window is open, Canada and the United States are quickly generating absolute advantages; consequently, in some areas, those windows of opportunity will soon be closed. Regions at the forefront of biotechnology competition in North America are discussed highlighting the relevant performance of some Canadian cities in the development of this industry, in the face of American competition.

Palavras-chave : regional development; biotechnology; North America.