Effects of training on competitiveness in the manufacturing sector

This article examines the effect of training on competitiveness in the manufacturing sector, drawing a distinction between industries with differing technological and productive characteristics. Using a systemic approach, it studies activities within firms and the impact that training has on them, as well as the organizational and institutional environment that supports training and the effect of the latter on the locality as a whole. An analysis is performed at two levels. At the firm level (micro analysis), econometric tools are used to study the manufacturing sector in Mexico. At the regional level (meso analysis), the electronics industry in one region of Mexico is studied. Empirical evidence shows that enterprise training has different effects on competitiveness in industries with different technological characteristics. It also has a positive impact on the region through knowledge diffusion.