Technological and corporate innovation in the Spanish specialised metallurgy: the case of Rivière (1860-1924)

Abstract

Metallurgy is together with textiles the leading industry of the first industrial revolution in Spain, a feature highlighted by the literature from very early on. One of its sub-sectors, this of metal transformation, has received very special attention from researchers. However, certain gaps still persist in some branches especially those relating to various factors of the production system at the factory level, such as capital –equipment and energy-, labour and corporate structure. Herein lies the main motivation of this research, which addresses the reasons for the success of medium-sized companies in specialised metallurgy in the late 19th and early 20th century, using a case study methodology, primary sources and the comparative procedure. The text is made up by three main sections, comprising the formation of the Rivière company, the production system of this company and its organisational innovation.