The drivers of evolution/upgrading in Mexico's maquiladoras: How important is subsidiary initiative?

Corporate entrepreneurship may play an important role as a driver of industrial upgrading in multinational subsidiaries. In this study, we test to determine if subsidiary initiative is related to industrial upgrading in a sample of 50 Mexican maquiladoras. Based on qualitative and quantitative data collected from plant managers, this study provides qualified support for the notion that increased responsibilities within MNC networks are something earned through the entrepreneurial efforts of subsidiary managers rather than given by the parent company.