Diversity of development paths and structural transformation in historical perspective—An introduction

The chapter introduces the overriding question of the volume—whether poor countries can catch up—by providing an overview of theories and approaches that have contributed to this discussion. It argues for the importance of introducing to the analysis the role of structural transformation and to acknowledge that the conditions for economic development vary from case to case. Instead of clinging on to universal templates to be emulated for best result, the analysis of current growth processes in the developing world may be enriched if closer attention is paid to the multifaceted nature of economic backwardness and the successful pathways of catching up taking place in Asia. The chapter introduces the different contributions of the volume, situated in the borderland of Economic History and Development Economics, as pertinent examples of how the research agenda about long-term development and catching up can be enlightened