ABSTRACT
The article examines the difficulties of promoting technological capability in developing countries and reviews the role of the state in technology promotion. An attempt is made to test the proposition that, as latecomers, developing countries are fortunate in that they have available a stock of technologies to draw upon. Evidence on technology absorption and promotion (or lack of it) in selected developing countries is presented. It becomes apparent that a dynamic learning process has to be fostered. Market forces cannot be relied upon to comprehend the externalities which are involved in the absorption and diffusion processes. Hence the need for a supportive role of the state in technology promotion in developing countries. The article draws some lessons for the developing countries in general and for the Maghreb countries in particular.
