Introduction

This book addresses issues of industrial policy for latecoming semi-industrialized countries (LSCs). Most of the abundant literature on the subjects of industrialization, industrial policy, technological change, and the economics of development concentrates on either developed or developing countries, or focuses on a specific geographical region such as Latin America or Asia. An alternative but nonetheless important grouping of countries has been less well studied—countries that are partially industrialized and that have achieved a medium level of development. Since they share many of the strengths and weaknesses of both industrialized and developing nations, LSCs face both unique opportunities and constraints as they integrate into the world economy.