This interpretivist study explores the concept of technological catch-up within the Nigerian cosmetics industry, focusing on the dynamic interplay between domestic and multinational firms. The objectives of the research are to provide a processual account of the extent and effect of knowledge transfers which could be intentional and unintentional, that affect technological catch-up; to provide an account of the presence, flow, and nature of technological catch-up by SMEs in the Nigerian cosmetics industry: to illuminate the external condition such as networks that positively and negatively affect catch-up for domestic firms in the Nigerian cosmetics industry. The research adopted a qualitative methodology through in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews involving 15 large domestic firms, 4 multinational firms, 5 SMEs, a representative from the Nigerian Ministry of Commerce and Industry and a representative from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). Findings from the research revealed that the manufacturers association of Nigeria (MAN) as a business network is the gatekeeper of industry resources and knowledge. The MNEs are active members and receive exclusive inclusivity from the association, while the domestic firms struggle to engage with the association, therefore placed as outsiders in the network. Six themes to catch-up were identified, insidership/outsidership, Nigerian factors, knowledge management, the effect of catch-up, a mare nest, the interplay between firms. Two of the themes were very significant and form a strong argument for catching-up, especially for emerging markets in Africa. The contributions from the research are revelatory and incremental to knowledge and professional practice by adding to the body of knowledge, filling in the gaps in the catch-up literature, and exploring how domestic businesses respond to foreign competition. I conceptualised the research through diagrams showing the interplay of firms and how domestic firms have been excluded from events within the manufacturing industry, allowing professionals to re-assess the catch-up process.
| Date of Award | 23 Jan 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | John Nicholson (Main Supervisor) |
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