Advances in business research in Latin American studies

Latin America is dealing with a volatile business environment while looking to take advantage of the opportunities amidst the current commodities boom. The competitive differential of a company may build on its capacity to manage cooperative relationships that allow it to advance innovations more efficiently. The 2008 and 2009 BALAS conferences focused on alliances and innovation respectively and both are essential for the Latin American region as it moves forward to greater economic development and wealth generation. This special issue of the Journal of Business Research comprises a selection of the best papers from these two conferences.