From imitator to innovator: how do firms grow in developing countries?

Investigates the appropriate industrial policies for different stages of development.

From:: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published: 30 October 2025

Country:: South Korea
Document Type:: Briefing
Theme:: Economic Growth
First published:: 22 April 2025
Authors:: Shim Y.

Abstract

This policy brief investigates the appropriate industrial policies for different stages of development, specifically focusing on 2 ways to improve technologies: adopting existing technologies from foreign firms and innovating new technologies.

This is an part of the Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) programme.

Citation

Shim Y. ‘From imitator to innovator: how do firms grow in developing countries?’ STEG Project Policy Brief, 2025