Brick manufacturing in Columbia: A case study of alternative technologies

There is systematic variation in size and capital-intensity across firms in LDC manufacturing industries, variation which is greater than that observed in advanced countries (DCs). This paper examines the hypothesis that the pattern results from diffusion of superior modern technology which is proceeding at a slower rate in LDCs than in DCs. Evidence from the Columbian brick industry is presented which suggests that slow diffusion is not a sufficient explanation.