This book tackles the issue of technological and economic catch-up by examining the role that public research institutions and local policy play in the promotion of this process by fostering local science-technology linkages with incoming foreign-owned multinationals. Although the book comprises various techno-socio-economic contexts and different methodological perspectives, the authors share the idea that public research, educational and political institutions provide capabilities in basic research and training of highly skilled labour, while private corporations establish networking connections with scientific and professional communities (and therefore access to knowledge and contacts) in other parts of the world.

The book argues that despite being a peculiar feature of the new innovation model of the knowledge-based economy, the close relationship between knowledge transfer, innovation and economic growth has historically been an important mechanism in stimulating economic take-off and growth.

This collection of theoretical, historical and applied papers will be invaluable to students, researchers and academics with an interest in innovation issues.