Innovation–Development Detours for Latecomers

‘A richly detailed and highly stimulating book on how latecomers, especially middle-income countries, can overcome the multiple obstacles they face. The key, Keun Lee argues, is not to emulate the experience of rich countries but to develop institutional innovations better suited to their needs – through industrial policies that emphasize domestic knowledge and ownership of firms and mediate the economy's relationship with the global economy, while leveraging the discipline of global competition. Drawing on extensive empirical studies of firms and industries around the world, this book presents a rich menu of development pathways.' Dani Rodrik, Professor, Harvard University

‘In this original, thought-provoking book, Keun Lee shows that in a new context of de-globalization, policies and strategies of ‘catching up' need to be revised. It is not enough to follow in the tracks of the rich countries or to trust market forces. Multiple pathways with different combinations of local and global knowledge sourcing and learning may be followed. To be successful they require a developmental state with a readiness to initiate detours and leapfrogging.' Bengt Åke Lundvall, Professor, Aalborg University; founder of Globelics

‘In this original, thought-provoking book, Keun Lee shows that in a new context of de-globalization, policies and strategies of ‘catching up' need to be revised. It is not enough to follow in the tracks of the rich countries or to trust market forces. Multiple pathways with different combinations of local and global knowledge sourcing and learning may be followed. To be successful they require a developmental state with a readiness to initiate detours and leapfrogging.' Bengt Åke Lundvall, Professor, Aalborg University; founder of Globelics

‘This book offers a good balance between content for policy makers and for practitioners of innovation seeking growth opportunities in emerging or latecomer markets. … Recommended.’ S. Paul, CHOICE