The polymer industry, a branch of the petrochemical industry, is an important example of the processing industry. Its production factors have cycles varying between periods of increased production and periods of recession. These cycles affect the way industry handles its technology. This paper shows how firms prepare to face recessive periods, and it emphasizes the value of the patent system, which ensures the legal protection of heavy R&D investments. This research was conducted with a database built with all patent applications made in Brasil between 1985 and 1995 in the polymer sector.
Polymer industry; economic cycles; technology development
