The challenges and opportunities of globalization and innovation in the minerals industry

Abstract

The minerals industry is of great significance to many of the economies of the Southern Hemisphere. Although the industry is considered somewhat traditional and slow changing, this paper argues that it is being profoundly and rapidly affected by the processes of globalization and by technological change. This comprehensive survey article examines some of the changes currently occurring in the industry, including changes in the innovation process, the development of a range of new knowledge-based services, altered industrial structures, and increased research networking. It concludes that there are opportunities for nations in the South to construct ‘centers of technological competence’ in the industry that can create distinctive competitive advantages.