In Brazil we had to make do with mostly clones of PCs and Apple IIs (and, later, MSX). Sadly, computer imports were very restricted in order to protect a local industry which was considered strategic. The policy was somewhat successful in the end, but not to the extent the government - a military dictatorship - intended, which was to bring about a completely local industry. There were few locally developed architectures, most based on imported components, and the bulk of the industry centered on clones with minor improvements (such as better peripherals, higher integration) in order to remain compatible with the existing software base.
I believe two key components were missing from Brazil's protection of its IT industry. Firstly, there was no attempt at educating the public (such as with Britain's initiative in the 1980s). Secondly, there was no attempt at making the machines cheaper.
And when push came to shove with Unitron's Mac, Brazil gave precedence to its orange exports. So I would classify it as a half-hearted attempt at industrial policy.
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Luxury!
In Brazil we had to make do with mostly clones of PCs and Apple IIs (and, later, MSX). Sadly, computer imports were very restricted in order to protect a local industry which was considered strategic. The policy was somewhat successful in the end, but not to the extent the government - a military dictatorship - intended, which was to bring about a completely local industry. There were few locally developed architectures, most based on imported components, and the bulk of the industry centered on clones with minor improvements (such as better peripherals, higher integration) in order to remain compatible with the existing software base.
I believe two key components were missing from Brazil's protection of its IT industry. Firstly, there was no attempt at educating the public (such as with Britain's initiative in the 1980s). Secondly, there was no attempt at making the machines cheaper.
And when push came to shove with Unitron's Mac, Brazil gave precedence to its orange exports. So I would classify it as a half-hearted attempt at industrial policy.