ABSTRACT

In this chapter, I will argue that the discussion on technology policy and competitiveness should not only focus on the question of which policy measures are necessary, but also and especially on the question of how to formulate and implement policy. Drawing on the experience of advanced industrialised countries and using arguments from sociological, political science and neo-Schumpeterian discussions, I will argue that hierarchical patterns of governance are increasingly unlikely to succeed in guiding technological development as societies, economies and industries become increasingly differentiated. In order to govern technological change, it becomes increasingly important to rely on policy networks which involve the state and key societal actors. The governance of technological change, the argument goes on, is particularly important in situations of radical change in order to create stable expectations and to avoid socially undesirable directions of change. In a situation of incremental technological change, governance will mean creating a fostering environment, rather than trying to steer the direction of change. A rough typology is introduced to show that the prospects for success vary depending on given conditions. These arguments are valid not only for advanced industrialised countries, but also for rapidly growing newly-industrialising countries (NICs). Therefore, experiences in advanced countries with new patterns of governance, especially policy networks, are relevant for the NICs as well.