This chapter examines the underlying assumptions of state policies for technological growth, the broader context of such policies, and some of the practical implications of succeeding, of failing, and of not trying. The ultimate objective of economic development policy is economic growth, which is generally defined in terms of job creation and wealth. It may result from changes on either the supply or demand side: new resources, new markets, new products, or greater efficiencies in productive technologies. In contrast to basic science, technological change is more commonly used in models or explanations of economic development policy, and is assumed to be more amenable to planning and evaluation. State economic development policies are both nourished and constrained by basic motivations. Many state economic development policies are intended to strengthen the "labor infrastructure", but it is more common to describe the economic infrastructure: physical capital stock that supports more directly productive capital and supports its activity".