Conclusions

Abstract

Technology is widely regarded as a key factor contributing to economic growth and international competitiveness. The extent of its contribution depends on the way countries are able to develop, select, acquire, and disseminate know how through their national systems of innovation. This book has focused on the sectoral structure of national technological activities and on the process of specialization. Our analysis should be seen in the context of the debate on the transformation of advanced economies, on their convergence in terms of aggregate indicators and industrial structures, and on their changing relative positions. It documents the convergence of advanced countries in terms of their S&T intensity, and the growing concentration of national efforts in selected fields of international excellence.