Governing technological change and the paradox of competitiveness : an analysis of state capacity in science, technology and innovation policies in Trinidad and Tobago (original) (raw)
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An intractable issue for many developing countries is in building local technological capability (LTC). Contemporary capitalist economies have amply demonstrated that building LTC is a necessary condition for any nation aspiring to develop technologically. In industrial and newly industrialising countries, the national system of innovation (NSI) has been shown to be a major factor in technological advancement in the past century. We have identified the important features of the NSI framework, especially as related to the less developed countries. Using Nigeria as an illustration, this paper presents some insights into how a less developed country can articulate strategies aimed at building LTC using the NSI features as guides for relevant policies.
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All aspects of technological innovation can be managed for competitive advantage. This book was written to "examine the ways in which the management of technological innovation contributes to the development and sustainability of competitive advantages." Recognizing the increasing importance of the 'knowledge economy,' it is argued that technological innovation is a "critically important activity" that "will become the primary strategy for competition in the 21st century." The book seeks to provide a thorough presentation and exploration of the component areas of technological innovation. There are nine chapters and, although not formally organized into sections, the book does segregate into three distinct units. Chapters 1 and 2 are introductory in nature; Chapters 3-8 explore different conceptual areas of technological innovation; and Chapter 9 identifies the challenges for the future in the management of technological innovation (MTI). The first chapter, entitled "What Is The Management Of Technological Innovation and Why Is It Important?," provides the foundation and organization for most of the chapters of the book. The concepts of 'technology' and 'innovation' are introduced and the concept of MTI is presented through the identification and brief introduction of six dominant areas of knowledge that can be "managed" in an organization. Each of these areas is explored in greater detail in Chapters 3-8. Additional general issues are presented to complete the introduction of MTI. The chapter is brought to a close with five brief (about one page in length) case studies from various industries and from around the world. As with all the chapters in this text, a "Conclusions" section summarizes the highlights of the chapter. The second chapter is on the "New Challenges Of The Management Of Technological Innovation." Five separate contexts for how MTI is changing are presented. First, the nature of industry is evolving. This industry context provides a bit of a historical perspective, with an overview of the concept of waves of technological development being presented, culminating in what is often termed the 'knowledge economy.' A good comparison between the dominant features of industry in the 1950s to the 1990s is offered. The second context recognizes that technological innovation typically builds upon 'extant technology,' i.e., technology and capabilities that are already present. A geographical perspective, considering both national and regional systems of innovation, is one aspect of this context. A direct consideration of the features of specific technology systems also contributes to this. Finally, a more recently recognized component is the influence and opportunities offered by networks of firms.