Is it still possible for the developing countries to do their catching up in the 21 st century?In this paper we analyze whether developing countries are able to do their catching up in the context of the 21st century. To do so we review some case studies of countries that are already considered developed - England, United States, Japan and South Korea. We support the argument that all these nations have adopted similar strategies of development, which included emulation, adoption of industrial policies, investment on innovation and the existence of an active State. We believe that if this strategy is adapted to incorporate new national and international contexts, it will remain suitable for the promotion of development.
KEYWORDS:
Catching up; development; developmentalism; emulation; industrial policy; innovation