The Brazilian oil and gas (O&G) sector has experienced institutional changes that put an end to the state monopoly. The purpose of this article is to explain why Petrobras has remained dominant after the sector had been opened to competition. We consider that it is possible to explain this paradox via two ideas that emanate from North's analysis on institutional change: first, by explaining institutional change as a continuous interrelation between formal and informal institutions and the political and economic organizations involved; second, by considering institutional change as a path-dependent process marked by a dialectic between elements of change and continuity.

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The organizational characteristics of production in the European automotive industry have favoured a high degree of fragmentation and productive mobility. This article analyses the differing national positions of automotive producing countries and their export patternsparticularly their export reorientation to extra-European Union (EU) markets following the collapse of regional demand in the European automotive industry. Based on the methodologies of Mahutga and Piana our position analysis arrives at two main conclusions: i) the countries best positioned in the European regional automotive production network are precisely those that have experienced a greater increase in extra-EU exports, thus reducing their dependence on regional European demand; ii) the increase in extra-EU exports (mainly of final goods) is linked to increased regional fragmentation of production in the automotive industry. We conclude that the governance of this fragmentation process is a key determinant of extra-EU export competitiveness.

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PurposeThis paper analyzes the effects on local suppliers of the adoption of a modular platform, taking into account different supply-chain relations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors’ research follows an interpretive case study methodology based on a theoretical approach that seeks to validate the approach while making conclusions about the case study.FindingsThe traditional pyramidal structure of automotive supply chains has been altered by the consolidation of a much more complex structure, mostly in spatial and geographical terms. The authors find a strong hierarchy resulting from the reinforced market power of the carmaker under study and the respective fragile structural positioning of logistics companies and pre-assemblers. The increased versatility of the assembly plant, considered a consequence of its transition to modular platforms, finds a counterpart in the necessary re-configuration of certain supply relationships.Originality/valueThe main contribution of the paper is to connect the defining elements of supply-chain relations with those technical and organizational changes associated with the transition to modular platforms, as well as to analyze changes in the pyramidal structure of the supply chain, from both a spatial and relational perspective.