The objective of this paper is to present and discuss some data and information about the diffusion process of microeletronic technology in the continuous process industry in Brazil. The data presented show the high level of diffusion of this technology in relation to the discrete parts manufacturing industry. The base installed in Brazil is proportionally larger than those of industrialized countries. The decision to adopt the microelectronic technology in this industry is strongly influenced by variables of "sócio-institutional" nature, as the technical and economic information are not always promptly available. Among the "socio-institutional" variables analysed, the impact of the market reserve policy on the diffusion process is given special attention.
Microeletronic; difusion; continuous process industries