A comparative study of Chinese and Iranian Science & Technology, and techno-industrial development policies

摘要

This paper argues that for rapid technological catch-up of latecomer economies industrial policy, active control, and guidance of the market by the state are required. In this framework, the paper compares science and technology, as well as industrial policymaking mechanisms of China and Iran. The similarity of recent histories of the countries, which may have led to similar institutional transformations, makes such a comparative analysis meaningful. The study describes S&T and industrial policy-making systems of the countries, uses a case study for each to assess the degree of effectiveness of the states in assisting the technological learning of the enterprises in their respective countries, and delineates differences and similarities between the two policy-making systems.