Mainstream and evolutionary views of technology, economic growth and catching up

A critical appraisal of the literature is provided with a focus on the theoretical differences underlining the mainstream and evolutionary economics of the role of technology on the ability of backward countries to catch up. The policy implications derived from these contesting approaches are illustrated in the context of the National Innovation Systems framework and the conventional debate over the advantage of backwardness. We stress that the evolutionary theory stands for a broad view of innovation and the systems literature for active public action toward the leadership, sponsorship and coordination of (local) innovation, which are positions that contrast with the theoretical views of neoclassical economics.