Technological capabilities in emerging Asia

Given rapid technological and organizational change it appears, nevertheless, that the “emerging” economies of Asia are involved in different ways. Some countries are at the forefront, others on the fringes, of the new technological “paradigm “. This paper considers differences in “capability” at what can be regarded as the national level, as well as looking at the factors influencing the development of technological capabilities. There is a focus on investment in upgrading and deepening of capability, which may not occur easily in the face of market failures. These issues are approached through the use of various indicators of capability in 10 cases (Korea stands out as the leader, though none of the new “tigers” have a significant technological base). Policy lessons are then considered, a major conclusion being that there are differences between countries and little sign of a single optimum path to success.