Vantagens comparativas reveladas no comércio internacional de bens de Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação

Abstract

International trade has undergone significant transformations, particularly characterized by accelerated growth in the high-technology sectors of information technology, communications, and software, driven by continuous technological advancements. As a result of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the 21st century, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have become central to global competitiveness, acting as catalysts for innovation, productivity gains, and integration into global value chains. This study analyzes the revealed comparative advantages (RCA) of ICT goods exporting countries in 2022 was conducted, and the factors influencing competitiveness and efficiency in this sector were investigated. The initial hypothesis of this study was that higher-income countries, with significant investments in research and development, high integration into global value chains, and supportive government policies, exhibit competitive advantages. However, the results of this study suggest that comparative advantage in ICT is strongly associated with productive sophistication, financial structures, and the business environment — rather than solely national income levels. In this context, this study updates the international economics literature and provides insights for the formulation of industrial and technological policies in developing countries seeking to increase their participation in higher value-added sectors.