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The determinants of technological capability: A cross-country analysis

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  • Jeffrey James
  • Henny Romijn

Abstract

Existing studies aimed at explaining cross-country differences in technological capabilities among developing countries have tended to use crude and unrealistic proxies—such as expenditure on R&D or the number of registered patents—which bear little or no relation to the findings from firm-level studies. This paper introduces a more realistic measure of technological capability based on an index developed by UNIDO, which is related to the complexity involved in the manufacture of engineering goods. The significance of this measure derives from the fact that in developing countries, the mastery of known technologies is far more important than the ability to generate new technologies through formal R&D. A regression analysis carried out with this measure points to the significance of market size, the stock of scientists and engineers and trade policy orientation as important determinants of cross-country differences in this measure of production capability.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey James & Henny Romijn, 1997. "The determinants of technological capability: A cross-country analysis," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(2), pages 189-207.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:oxdevs:v:25:y:1997:i:2:p:189-207
    DOI: 10.1080/13600819708424129
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sanjaya Lall, 1987. "Learning to Industrialize," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-18798-0, December.
    2. Romijn, H.A., 1996. "Acquisition of technologica capability in small firms in developing countries," Other publications TiSEM 870189ab-4c37-4117-adab-1, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Narula, Rajneesh, 2004. "Understanding absorptive capacities in an "innovation systems" context: consequences for economic and employment growth," Research Memorandum 004, Maastricht University, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    4. Wang, Jue & Liu, Xiaming & Wei, Yingqi & Wang, Chengang, 2014. "Cultural Proximity and Local Firms’ catch up with Multinational Enterprises," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1-13.

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