A critical analysis of the use of R&D in development processes: Markets, institutions and interactive learning spaces.

Summary This thesis seeks to answer the following question: When and how does research and development become strategic for competitiveness, growth and development in less developed countries? To answer this question, it articulates its analytical framework around the concepts of interactive learning spaces, technological capabilities and co-evolution of technologies, institutions and organizations. This thesis proposes a theoretical model of technological catch-up based on interactive learning spaces and the impact of the institutional framework and environment on the acquisition of technological capabilities. Using the case study approach, this thesis seeks to analyze the opportunities and pressures that drive developing countries to improve their technological capabilities on the one hand. It seeks to understand the interactive learning processes that lead to this improvement. It goes on to examine the prospects for a developing country such as Morocco to catch up in the knowledge economy. It explains the opportunities and pressures in this new context and the technological capabilities needed to take advantage of them. Finally, this thesis concludes with policy recommendations for developing countries and a discussion of research needed to better understand the nature and role of interactive learning spaces in technological catch-up processes.